UNITY - Producers in the west-central region of Saskatchewan have 94 per cent of this year’s crop seeded, barely behind the five-year (2018-22) average of 95 per cent, according to the crop report for the period of May 23 to May 29. While some limited rain was received in the region, many producers are hoping for precipitation soon to help with germinating their newly seeded crop.
Chickpeas are completely seeded in west-central Saskatchewan, with 100 per cent of this year’s crop in the ground. Soybeans and lentils are also essentially complete with 99 per cent of the crop seeded. Oats are the crop with the lowest amount of acres seeded, currently sitting at 78 per cent.
Notable rain events this week in west-central Saskatchewan include 53 mm received in the Rosthern area. Topsoil moisture is still generally adequate in the region with 64 per cent of cropland having adequate topsoil moisture, 32 per cent is short, and 4 per cent is very short. Forty-seven per cent of pasture and hayland has adequate topsoil moisture, 46 per cent is short, and 7 per cent is very short.
Crops are generally in excellent to good condition in the region. Soybeans are in the best condition with 89 per cent in excellent condition. Eleven per cent of winter wheat is in excellent condition, which is the least for west-central Saskatchewan. Producers are noticing crop damage due to extreme dry conditions; they are also noting insect pressure in the newly emerging crop.
Rain was welcomed by those who received it and many are hoping for more. When completing seeding, producers are busy working cattle, picking rocks, and rolling newly planted crops.
