Farmers are progressing in their seeding operations, with many still working around wet areas in their fields. However, dryness and moisture will both be needed in the coming weeks if the warm weather continues.
Farmers are progressing in their seeding operations, with many still working around wet areas in their fields. However, dryness and moisture will both be needed in the coming weeks if the warm weather continues.
"The situation is a double-edged sword for farmers. The farmers want warm and dry weather to finish seeding, but they still want a little rain to help the crops in the field," said Grant McLean, agriculture specialist from Moose Jaw.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture's weekly crop report, producers in the southeast had 22 per cent of the 2013 crop in the ground, up significantly from four per cent that was reported the week before.
The five-year average for this time of year is 43 per cent.
A variety of crops are being seeded by southeast producers. Currently, 41 per cent of the field peas are seeded, 33 per cent of the lentils, 25 per cent of the canola, 22 per cent of the durum, 21 per cent of the spring wheat, 11 per cent of the barley and chickpeas, six per cent of the flax and five per cent of the mustard.
The deadline to seed camelina in the brown soil zone was May 21. It is also the deadline to seed all classes of chickpeas. Other seeding deadlines will begin in May and continue in June.
The full yield-loss coverage becomes effective on June 10 for winter wheat and fall rye that will be grazed and cut for feed.
The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance will not accept yield-loss liability for spring crops that are seeded after June 20.
"The biggest challenge for producers was the rain that was received during the May long weekend," said McLean. He added that excess moisture is an extra concern for producers who farm north of the Weyburn area because those heavy clay fields are still quite wet.
Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 15 per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate and three per cent short.
Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and six per cent short.
Pastures are growing in many areas and cattle are being moved. Weeds are also growing and producers are applying pre-seed herbicides when the winds are calm.
Many early seeded crops such as lentils and durum have emerged, and in-crop herbicide applications will begin soon.
There are indications that some winter wheat fields that were winterkilled will be reseeded to other crops.
Farmers are busy seeding, controlling weeds, working sloughs, branding cattle and fixing fences.
