WEYBURN - Seeding has been slow in the southeast due to excess water sitting on fields and cool soil temperatures. Three per cent of their crop is in the ground. This is well behind the five-year average of 22 per cent for this time of year. Once conditions improve, producers are confident they can get back on track with their operations.
There was no significant rainfall in the region over the past week. The most rain was recorded in the Moose Jaw area at 5 mm. The Alida and Glenavon areas received 3 mm and the Frobisher area 2 mm, producers are hoping this trend will continue for the following weeks so that seeding can progress.
The southeast region is starting the growing season with reassuring moisture conditions after several snowstorms hit the region throughout the winter and early spring. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 19 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, 2 per cent short and 1 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land is rated as 7 per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and 1 per cent very short. Producers would like to see warm dry weather in the forecast so they can get into their fields. Rain will be needed once seeding is finished to ensure crop development and pasture growth.
There is not much field activity in the region due to wet field conditions. Most of the work is being done in the northwestern half of the region where minor seeding and spraying is underway when weather allows.
