Almost all Southwest crops seeded before the end of May
Some much needed rain fell just as producers had completed the bulk of 2018 seeding operations.
Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Crop Report for the period of May 22 to 28 highlighted that a full 95 per cent of the crop had been seeded, a jump from 72 per cent the previous week. The five year average in the Southwest usually sees 90 per cent of seeding completed.
Last week’s reported rainfall was not general across the Southwest, and it brought only varying amounts of moisture to the region. The highest amount fell in the Ponteix area (19 millimetres), followed by Gouldtown at 17 millimetres and the Limerick area at 16 millimetres. However, the Shaunavon and Maple Creek areas reported only one millimetre of precipitation.
Dry and windy conditions continue to impact topsoil moisture across the Southwest.
“Crops are suffering from a lack of moisture with a significant rain needed to
encourage crop germination and pasture and hay land growth,” the Crop Report in the Southwest explains. “Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 34 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 19 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as
28 per cent adequate, 46 per cent short and 26 per cent very short.
“Crops are slow to emerge but are in fair-to-good condition. Drying winds and hot weather
have been the leading causes of crop damage in the region. Pastures and hay land in the
region have experienced limited growth due to lack of moisture and hot drying winds,” the report further explains.
Province wide, according to the May 22 to 28 report, 91 per cent of Saskatchewan’s crop had been seeded. That was a strong jump from 70 per cent the previous week, and pushes the 2018 seeding season above the five year average of 81 per cent.
Saskpower reported there were 15 cases of farm machinery contacting electrical equipment in the last week. That brings the total for May to 143. Most farm-related incidents happen during seeding. Saskpower reminds producers to be aware of their surroundings at all times and plan ahead.