Despite cool weather this past week, many producers have begun seeding operations and many more expect to be in the field this coming week, once conditions improve. Thirteen per cent of the crop is now seeded, which is slightly behind the five-year average (2014-18) of 14 per cent for this time of year. Recent cool weather has delayed field operations across much of the province.
Seeding is furthest advanced in the southeastern region, where 23 per cent of the crop is in the ground. Fourteen per cent of the crop is seeded in the southwest and northwest, while seven per cent is seeded in the east-central region, nine per cent in the west-central region and three per cent in the northeast. Nine per cent of the spring wheat, 10 per cent of the canola, 19 per cent of the lentils and 22 per cent of the field peas have been seeded to date.
Rainfall was reported this past week throughout the province, particularly in the northeastern and northwestern regions. The Neilburg area received 25 mm, the largest amount of precipitation in the province.
Field conditions across the province have not changed much from the previous week. Cropland topsoil is rated as one per cent surplus, 60 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as one per cent surplus, 53 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 11 per cent very short.
Winter wheat assessment is continuing as fields green up and temperatures rise. Pasture and hay land growth has been slow, but is expected to improve, given the recent moisture and favourable weather in the forecast.
Farmers are busy seeding, working fields and moving cattle.
SaskPower reminds everyone to take their time and to be aware of overhead power lines crossing fields and farm yards this spring.
A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online at www.saskatchewan.ca/crop-report.
Follow the 2019 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
