EAST CENTRAL — Favourable weather in the province this week meant substantial seeding progress in all regions.
According to the May 19 to 25 crop report, 80 per cent of the crop is now seeded in Saskatchewan, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 78 per cent (2015-19) for this time of year.
Northeast
Producers in the region made significant progress this week, with 73 per cent of the crop now seeded. This is up from 26 per cent last week and ahead of the five-year average of 68 per cent (2015-2019) for this time of year. Some of the earlier seeded crops have started to emerge.
Warm and windy conditions in the region were welcome. Rain in some areas delayed seeding for a few days in same areas. Moisture conditions are good in most areas of the region, but some farmers would welcome rain to help ensure even germination. Rainfall ranged from nil to 52 mm in the Spruce Home area. The Vonda area received 32 mm, the Hudson Bay area 10 mm, the Garrick area eight mm and the Melfort area two mm.
Moisture conditions in the northeast are good, and most of the crop, pasture and hay land has enough moisture to support plant germination and growth. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate and nine per cent short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 77 per cent adequate and 17 per cent short. Pasture conditions are rated as seven per cent excellent, 66 per cent good, 19 per cent fair and eight per cent poor.
Overall, crop development is normal for this time of year, with early seeded crops emerging. Seeding conditions this week were good and more crops are expected to emerge soon.
Farmers are busy seeding and spraying as wind conditions permit.
East Central
Currently, 69 per cent of the crop is seeded in the east-central region. This is up from 32 per cent last week and in line with the five-year average of 70 per cent (2015-2019) for this time of year. The warm and dry weather was ideal for seeding, and earlier seeded crops are starting to emerge.
Most of the region received minimal rainfall this week, ranging from none to 20 mm in the Kenaston area. The Pelly area received eight mm, the Esterhazy area six mm and the Craik and Rama areas two mm.
Wind and minimal rain this week has reduced topsoil moisture conditions. Lack of topsoil moisture and cool overnight temperatures have slowed pasture growth. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 66 per cent adequate, 28 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 55 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. Pasture conditions are rated as three per cent excellent, 26 per cent good, 47 per cent fair, 19 per cent poor and five per cent very poor.
Most crop development is normal for this time of year, with some behind due to cool conditions. The wind has dried the topsoil and delayed canola germination in some fields. There was minimal crop damage reported this week, but most of the damage that was present was due to wind, lack of moisture and flea beetles.
Farmers have been busy seeding, spraying as wind conditions allow and moving cattle to pastures.
The crop report is provided weekly by the Government of Saskatchewan
