Majority of crops planted, rain slows north seeding

Seeding is nearing completion in Saskatchewan with 81 per cent of the crop in the ground, according to this week’s provincial crop report.

Wet fields and frequent rain in northern regions delayed progress, but seeding progress is right in line with the five-year average of 82 per cent.

Seeding is most advanced in the southeast, where producers have 95 per cent of the crop planted. Ninety-four per cent is seeded in the southwest, 80 per cent in the west-central region, 79 per cent in the east-central region, 76 per cent in the northwest and 43 per cent in the northeast.

Ninety-six per cent of lentils, 95 per cent of field peas, 92 per cent of durum, 91 per cent of soybeans, 81 per cent of spring wheat, 80 per cent of flax, 78 per cent of mustard, 76 per cent of canola and 73 per cent of barley have been seeded.

A slow-moving weather system brought significant rainfall to many areas in the north last week, but missed most of the central and southern parts of the province. The Nipawin area received the most rain with 65 millimetres, while many parts of central and southern Saskatchewan received nothing.

Overall, emerged crops are in fair-to-excellent condition, but emergence has been delayed in many areas by the cool weather and dry field conditions. The majority of crop damage this week was caused by strong winds, frost, hail, localized flooding and lack of moisture. Flea beetles and cutworms have been reported in canola crops, and some fields have had to be re-seeded.

According to SaskPower, there have been 91 incidents of farm equipment coming in contact with power poles or lines in May.