ASSINIBOIA - Seeding progress is at 96 per cent in the southwest, up from 90 per cent last week and behind the five-year average (2018-2022) of 99 per cent, according to the crop report for the period of May 30 to June 5. While storms have brought rain into the region, many producers, particularly in the northern areas of the region are hoping for more to support crop and pasture development.
Rain was seen throughout the region this week, which was welcomed by most producers. The Rockglen area received 33 mm this week, the Eyebrow area 32 mm, the Cabri area 25 mm, the Maple Creek area 15 mm, the Leader area eight mm and the Vanguard area five mm.
Precipitation this week helped maintain or improve moisture conditions in parts of the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate and 20 per cent short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 75 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and two per cent very short.
Thirty-three per cent of the fall cereal crops are in the jointing stage and 23 per cent are heading, while 42 per cent of the spring cereals are tillering. Fifty-nine per cent of canola and mustard is emerging and 40 per cent is in the seedling stage, 39 per cent of flax is also in the seedling stage. Fifty-nine per cent of the pulse crops are emerging and 36 per cent is in the vegetative stage.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to dry conditions, localized flooding and hail, as well as flea beetle and grasshopper damage. Producers have been busy wrapping up seeding, spraying and checking their crops.
