Seeding nearly complete

REGINA — Seeding is now 93 per cent complete in the province, as dry weather enabled many producers to return to their fields, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly crop report.

The five-year (2009-13) seeding average for this time of year is 87 per cent, the report said Thursday. One year ago, seeding was 96 per cent complete, with crops emerging quickly and in good condition.

The southwestern and west-central regions are the most advanced, with 97 per cent of the crop seeded. The northeast is 95 per cent complete, the northwest 92 per cent, the southeast 90 per cent and the east-central region 89 per cent.

Rainfall varied from trace amounts to well over two inches (50 mm) in some eastcentral areas. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 15 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate and seven per cent short. Hay land and pasture moisture conditions are rated as nine per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, seven per cent short and three per cent very short.

Cool weather has delayed crop development in many parts of the province. The majority of fall cereals are in the tillering to jointed stages of crop development, while most spring cereals are in the emerging to tillering stages.

Pulse crops are emerging and in the vegetative stages, and flax crops are mostly in the pre-emergent or emerging crop stages. Canola and mustard crops are emerging or at the seedling stage.

Although most crops are in good condition, there is some damage from localized flooding, frost, hail, wind and insects, such as flea beetles and cutworms.

Farmers are busy completing seeding and controlling pests.