Seeding 72 per cent completed in the Southwest

A total of 72 per cent of the crop has been seeded in the Southwest according to the most recent Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s Crop Report.

For the second straight week producers completed 27 per cent of seeding operations, climbing from 45 per cent completed to 72 per cent during the crop reporting period of May 15 to 21.

This places the region slightly ahead of the fiveyear regional average of 70 per cent completed.

Province wide, 70 per cent of fields have been seeded, well ahead of Saskatchewan’s five-year average of 55 per cent completed.

Crops are beginning to emerge, but emergence and germination has been slow and patching.

Topsoil moisture conditions continue to rapidly deteriorate from the combination of strong winds and lack of moisture. The crop report highlights that significant rain is needed to help crops germinate and emerge, and to develop pastures and hayland. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 49 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short, and 21 per cent very short. Similarly, hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 33 per cent adequate, 46 per cent short, and 21 per cent very short.

Saskpower reports 34 cases of farm machinery contacting electrical equipment in the last week, bringing the total in May to 119. Producers are reminded to check for overhead power lines and plan ahead when moving equipment.