BATTLEFORDS - The northwest leads the province in seeding progress with 97 per cent of seeding complete, according to the crop report for the period of May 23 to May 29. This is ahead of the five-year (2018-22) average of 89 per cent, according to the crop report for the period of May 23 to May 29. Producers are grateful for the rain received this week. However, more will be needed soon to keep crops in good condition.
Flax, mustard, soybeans, lentils, peas, canary seed and chickpea crops are all completely seeded in the northwest region. Oats are the least amount seeded so far, with 91 per cent of this year’s crop in the ground.
Notable rain this week includes 67 mm received in the Borden area. Rain was also spotty across the northwest this last week. These rains helped keep soil moisture at adequate levels. Seventy per cent of cropland has adequate soil moisture, 23 per cent is short, and 6 per cent is very short. Sixty-seven per cent of pasture and hayland has adequate soil moisture levels, 24 per cent is short, and 10 per cent is very short.
Crops are in excellent to good condition in the northwest. Soybeans are rated 70 per cent excellent in the region, which is the best rating for this week. Canola has the least rated as excellent condition, with 12 per cent of the crop. Producers are noting damage to the crop due to drought-like conditions, as well as flea beetles beginning to emerge.
Producers are busy scouting their newly emerging crops as well as starting their in-crop spraying programs. Most producers in the northwest have moved their cattle out to pasture for the summer.
