Producers in the region made good seeding progress last week, thanks to warm weather. Twenty-eight per cent of the crop is now in the ground, ahead of the five-year (2013-17) seeding average of 15 per cent for this time of year. Forty-five per cent of the wheat, 24 per cent of the oats, 20 per cent of the barley and 18 per cent of the canola have been seeded. Recent winds have dried up many wet fields and seeding conditions are good. Due to the dry spring, some producers are able to farm areas in fields that have been inaccessible in the last few years.
Little to no rainfall was reported in the region last week. The Nipawin area has received the most precipitation (27 millimeters) in the region since April 1. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 71 per cent adequate and 29 per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 62 per cent adequate and 38 per cent short.
Pastures and hay land remain slow to green up, but the warmer weather has helped with growth. Some cattle producers continue to supplement their animals’ feed. Farmers are busy seeding, working fields and calving.
