WEYBURN - Seeding is reported at 95 per cent complete within the region, up from 80 per cent last week, according to the crop report for the period of May 27 to June 2. This is similar to the five-year average of 94 per cent reported in the southeast region.
Seeding is complete, or near completion, for many crops including field peas, lentils, spring wheat, durum and canary seed. Barley is reported at 96 per cent seeding completion. Canola is reported at 94 per cent complete, followed by oats and flax at 92 per cent each. Seeding completion for canary seed and soybeans are 90 per cent and 89 per cent, respectively. Chickpeas are 85 per cent complete while mustard is 84 per cent. The crops furthest behind are perennial forage crops at 59 per cent and triticale at 56 per cent complete.
Very little rain fell throughout the region last week with only a small amount reported in the Mount Pleasant area at three mm.
Topsoil moisture was again reduced within the region although most areas remain adequate. Cropland topsoil moisture is reported at five per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate and 19 per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is seven per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and four per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and five per cent very short.
Overall, crop conditions are rated as good to excellent for the majority of crops with a few reports of crops that are in fair condition.
Producers in the region report minor to moderate crop damage due to wind. Some reports indicate there was minor damage due to excessive moisture. Increased crop damage is reported due to heat and dry conditions. Producers are continuing to monitor areas for grasshoppers, gophers and waterfowl, with some minor to moderate damage from flea beetles and cutworms.
As the week progresses, producers will be working to wrap up seeding and move into in-crop spraying when the weather allows along with land rolling, rock picking and getting the last of the animals out to pasture.
