The recent warm spring weather has been a treat for farmers in Saskatchewan, according to Saskatchewan's Weekly Crop Report. Dale Paslawski, who farms north of Weyburn said that the weather "is absolutely perfect. I've seen farmers in the Redvers and Antler area seeding already. Seeding is early this year but the weather is ideal."
"I think producers are enjoying this warm weather at this point but they wouldn't turn away the rain. This warm weather is helping the soil warm up which is good for crops to grow. If we get no rain farmers will be (seeding) for sure by the end of the month," said crop specialist Elaine Moats.
According to the area's crop report, precipitation amounts have varied across the southeast region with the Marquis area receiving 25 mm, Gainsborough area recording 17 mm and the Radville area recording 6 mm. Glen Adacsi, who farms out in the Hume area, said, "Some rain would be great, about two tenths."
Moats explained that farmers "are just getting starting to seed. The Radville and Truax area will start (seeding) a little bit before because they have solonetzic soil, where the soil can be wet, then dry up quickly and be too hard to seed in."
This weather has farmers busy harrowing, applying fertilizer and herbicides. Paslawski has been out working stubble that had heavy infestation of dandelions. Paslawski added, "I will start seeding this week around April 28 and 29."
Adacsi told, "I haven't worked the field yet or started seeding yet, but I will start the first week of May, weather permitting. I've been (preparing by) changing tires, wheel barring, greasing, lubricating chains and cleaning the sprayer nozzle."
