WEYBURN - Despite some reports of seeding delays due to wet conditions in parts of the region, seeding is now reported at 80 per cent complete, according to the Saskatchewan weekly crop report, for the period of May 20 to May 26. This is up 25 per cent from last week and is on par with the five-year average of 80 per cent.
Field peas are the furthest ahead at 97 per cent complete followed by lentils at 95 per cent and chickpeas at 85 per cent. For cereal crops, durum is 90 per cent, spring wheat is 85 per cent, barley is 80 per cent, oats are 74 per cent, canary seed is 73 per cent and triticale is 44 per cent complete. Oilseed progress is further behind at 73 per cent for mustard, 69 per cent for canola and 63 per cent for flax. Soybeans are 66 per cent complete. Perennial forage is reported at 27 per cent seeding completion in the region.
Rain was variable this week with increased amounts reported for the central area of the region. The Weyburn area reported 66 mm this week followed by the Griffin and Indian Head areas at 20 mm each and the Browning area at 18 mm. Many other areas throughout the region also received some rainfall. Producers are hopeful for widespread rain following seeding completion to help support crop development.
Topsoil moisture conditions for cropland are reported at 17 per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate and three per cent short. Hayland is reported at 12 per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate and seven per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture conditions are reported at 11 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate and eight per cent short.
Most producers are reporting normal crop development in the southeast. Fall cereals are currently rated at 82 per cent normal crop development for this time of year with 14 per cent ahead and four per cent behind normal. Spring cereals are estimated to be 74 per cent normal with nine per cent ahead and 17 per cent behind. Pulse crops are rated at 77 per cent normal crop development with six per cent ahead and 17 per cent behind. Oilseeds are at 67 per cent normal with three per cent ahead and 30 per cent behind normal development. Perennial forage is 86 per cent normal crop development with three per cent ahead and 11 per cent behind. Annual forage is indicated at 88 per cent normal crop development while four per cent is ahead and eight per cent is behind.
Some producers in the southeast region are noting minor damage due to flooding, wind and frost with a few reports of more severe damage due to these factors. Reports of flea beetle, cutworm, wireworm, pea leaf weevil and root maggot activity were indicated this week with some producers taking control measures.
As the week progresses, producers will be working to complete seeding, land rolling and starting in-crop herbicide applications on earlier seeded crops.
