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Crop report: north behind on seeding, south ahead

EAST CENTRAL — Despite cool weather April 30 to May 6, many producers have begun seeding operations and many more expect to be in the field this coming week, once conditions improve.
Seedling
Stock photo

EAST CENTRAL — Despite cool weather April 30 to May 6, many producers have begun seeding operations and many more expect to be in the field this coming week, once conditions improve.

 

Northeastern Saskatchewan

Some producers in the region have begun seeding, while others expect to start within the next week. Three per cent of the crop has been seeded in the region, which is behind the five-year (2014-18) average of six per cent for this time of year but up from one per cent last week. Three per cent of the wheat and barley and four per cent of the field peas have been seeded to date in the region.  

Rainfall this past week ranged from trace amounts to 18 millimetres in the Bruno area. The Arborfield and Nipawin areas reported 15 millimetres , the Lake Lenore area nine mm and the Prince Albert area 10 millimetres. The Hudson Bay area has received the most precipitation since April 1 (35 millimetres). 

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, 10 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, 14 per cent short and one per cent very short. Crop District 8A is reporting that 24 per cent of the cropland and 16 per cent of the hay land and pasture have surplus moisture at this time.

Pastures and hay land remain slow to green up due to the cool weather. Producers have indicated that cold temperatures are making pre-seeding weed control difficult, and some may have to delay applications until before crops emerge or wait until in-crop application timing. 

Farmers are busy seeding, picking rocks, applying fertilizer and harvesting overwintered crop.

 

East Central Saskatchewan

Seeding operations are underway for some producers in the region with more expected to be seeding this week. Seven per cent of the crop is seeded in the region, which is ahead of the five-year (2014-18) average of five per cent for this time of year and somewhat up from six per cent last week. Eight per cent of the wheat, four per cent of the barley, five per cent of the canola, 21 per cent of the lentils and 24 per cent of the field peas have been seeded.

The majority of the region did not receive large amounts of rainfall last week, although the Leroy area reported 10 millimetres and the Yorkton, Rama and Kuroki areas six millimetres. The Esterhazy area has received the most precipitation since April 1 (32 millimetres).  

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 50 per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and 20 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 40 per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and 31 per cent very short. Though producers are indicating that 50 per cent of the fields in the region have adequate cropland soil moisture, rainfall would still be welcomed.

Pastures are slow to green up in many areas due to the recent cool weather; however, forecasted favourable conditions will help growth. Producers have indicated that cold temperatures are making pre-seeding weed control difficult but weed control will take place before crops emerge.

Farmers are busy seeding, working fields, fixing fences, controlling weeds and harvesting overwintered crop.

The crop report is provided each week by the Government of Saskatchewan