WEST-CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN CROP REGION — Parts of the region finally experienced some rain delays this past week, however, most producers were able to keep their momentum with seeding. Eighty-one per cent of the crop acres in the region are now seeded, this is up from 53 per cent last week and well ahead of the five year-average (2017-2021) of 74 per cent. The moisture received was not enough to improve soil moisture conditions.
Some of the west-central region received some rain this week, this rain was desperately needed to green up crop and pasture land. The Rosthern area reported the highest amount of rain in the region with 19 mm, the Tugaske area 14 and Sonningdale areas 14 mm and the Langham area 12 mm.
Rain received this week did little to improve moisture conditions in the region. Cropland topsoil moisture rated as 33 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 23 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 30 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short and 33 per cent very short.
Extremely dry soil conditions have slowed pasture and hay land growth. Producers have indicated that significant rains will be needed improve pastures to a point where cattle can graze them all summer long. Pasture conditions are rated as zero per cent excellent, seven per cent good, 26 per cent fair, 36 per cent poor and 31 per cent very poor.
Due to the overly dry conditions, crops are rated as normal to behind in their developmental stage for this time of year. Similar to pastures, the cool night time temperatures and dry conditions have slowed growth of most crops. Most of the crop damage this week is due to strong wings, light frost and drought. Producers are continuing to assess damage from frost and watching for flea beetles.
Provincial overview: Still behind average
Seeding progress climbed throughout many regions in the past week, despite a storm that brought snow and rain to parts of the province. Fifty-two per cent of the 2022 crop is now seeded, up from 33 per cent last week. This is still behind the five-year average (2017-2021) of 78 per cent for this time of year. The rainfall received over the past week in drier areas will help improve soil moisture conditions and establishment of early seeded crops.
The west central region is the farthest along with 81 per cent of the crop seeded. Seventy-six per cent of the crop is seeded in the northwest, 73 per cent seeded in the southwest, 44 per cent seeded in the southeast, 22 per cent seeded in the northeast and 21 per cent seeded in the east-central region of the province.
The east received significant amounts of precipitation. The Hudson Bay area reported 88 mm, the Jedburgh area 85 mm, the Rama area 83 mm, the Indian Head area 32 mm and the Biggar and Cando areas 11 mm. While rain is welcome in the eastern half of the province, many producers are eager to continue their seeding operations.
Soil moisture continues to improve across the province, mainly in the eastern regions where most of the spring precipitation was received. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 15 per cent surplus, 58 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 63 per cent adequate, 20 per cent short and eleven per cent very short.
Pasture conditions are rated as 10 per cent excellent, 27 per cent good, 36 per cent fair, 16 per cent poor and 11 per cent very poor. Pastures in the western half of province are struggling to establish this spring due to very limited precipitation causing many livestock producers in the area to continue to feed cattle on farm.
Earlier seeded crops have started to emerge where moisture is sufficient, but cool weather over the past week has slowed development of many crops. In general, most crops are rated as normal for their development except for canola, which was rated as 67 per cent behind. This is likely due to the extremely dry conditions in the southwest and west central regions, delaying growth and the recent cool weather across the whole province. Most of the crop damage this week was due to minor flooding, light frosts, drought conditions and flea beetles. Producers continue to report that there is a shortage of farm equipment parts. There are also some reports of input and herbicide shortages throughout the province.
