Seeding 95% complete despite rain

Producers now have 95 per cent of the crop seeded, despite another week of cool and rainy weather, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly crop report. The five-year (2009-2013) seeding average for this time of year is 90 per cent.

The southwestern, westcentral and northwestern regions have nearly completed seeding. The northeastern region has 97 per cent seeded, the east-central region 93 per cent and the southeastern region 91 per cent.

The majority of pulses, cereals and oilseeds are now in the ground with some greenfeed crops still requir- ing seeding in some areas, the report said

A large amount of the province received rain and many areas reported well over two inches (50 mm). Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 18 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate and four per cent short.

Hay land and pasture moisture conditions are rated as 10 per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate, four per cent short and one per cent very short.

Cool weather continues to delay crop development in many parts of the province, with 57 per cent of fall cereals and 52 per cent of pulses at their normal developmental stages, while 53 per cent of spring cereals and 56 per cent of oilseeds are behind their normal developmental stages.

Crop damage this week is attributed to localized flooding, frost, hail and insects including flea beetles, cutworms and wireworms.

The majority of crops are currently in fair to excellent condition.