Crop seeding essentially complete in Saskatchewan

SASKATOON Saskatchewan producers have continued working their way through seeding over the last week.

The province reported 99 per cent of the crop was in the ground as of Thursday.

Rain in most parts of Saskatchewan was generally welcomed, with some farmers expressing concerns about moisture loss due to persistent strong winds. Overall, more moisture is needed in the southern and central regions. The wind also caused delays for some producers spraying for weeds and insects.

The area around Humboldt saw the most rain over the last week at 71 mm. provincewide, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 70 per cent adequate, 25 per cent short and three per cent very short.

Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 58 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and eight per cent very short. The provincial crop report noted those moisture conditions were relatively unchanged from the week previous.

Farmers reported some crop damage due to wind, cutworms and flea beetles. Cold weather also led to crop damage from frost and hail in some areas. There were also reports of dry soil conditions causing damage in parts of the province that haven’t gotten enough rain. However, most crop conditions in the province range from fair to good.

Most crops were reported to be coming along well, with 79 per cent of fall cereals and 70 per cent of spring cereals developing normally for this time of year. Pulse crops were reported at 80 per cent developing normally along with 63 per cent of oilseeds.

Some farmers have reported seeding green feed. Others have reported reseeding due to damage in canola fields.