Farmers in the southeast are far behind the provincial average for seeded crops due to wet conditions. According to Saskatchewan Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report, May 24 to 30, 70 percent of the 2011 crop has been seeded while farmers in the southeast are reporting 32 percent seeded.
The five year (2006-2010) average for this time of year is approximately 81 percent seeded. In 2010, 59 percent of the crop was seeded at this time.
Significant seeding progress was made in western and northern regions during the past week. Producers in the eastern and southern regions made very little progress as the weather and field conditions continue to be a challenge. The majority of the southern and eastern regions are dealing with very wet soil conditions and flooding. Since April 1, many areas have recorded more than eight inches of rain, with other areas reporting over 10 inches of rain.
The southeast is reporting 32 percent seeded, southwest 64 percent, east-central 64 percent, west-central 92 percent, northeast 93 percent and northwest 93 percent seeded.
Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 35 percent surplus, 57 percent adequate and eight percent short. Hay and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 32 percent surplus, 58 percent adequate and 10 percent short.
Sixty-seven percent of the oilseeds, spring cereals and pulse crops are behind normal in development. Fifty-one percent of the winter cereals are at normal stage of development for this time of year. The majority of crops that have emerged are in fair to good condition.
Farmers are busy seeding, calving, hauling cattle to pasture and controlling weeds.
