Thanks to good seeding conditions, Saskatchewan producers made up the time lost in previous weeks. Thirty-five per cent of the crop is now in the ground, just ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 32 per cent for this time of year. Crops are starting to emerge.

Seeding is furthest advanced in the southeast, where 49 per cent of the crop is in the ground. Forty-five per cent is seeded in the southwest, 28 per cent in the northeast, 26 per cent in the west–central region and 24 per cent in the east-central and northwestern regions.

Rain showers were reported throughout the province, particularly in the southwestern and west-central regions. The Gull Lake area received 18 mm of rain, the most in the province. There have been multiple reports of grass and stubble fires due to the dry conditions and rain would be welcomed to help alleviate dry field conditions and concerns.

Thirty-three per cent of the spring wheat, 26 per cent of the canola, 57 per cent of the lentils and 63 per cent of the field peas have been seeded to date. Little rain, warm temperatures and strong and warm winds have caused topsoil moisture conditions to decline. Hay and pasture growth is slow due to little rainfall. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 57 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 40 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 17 per cent very short.

Producers are busy seeding, controlling weeds and moving cattle.

SaskPower reports 46 cases of farm machinery contacting electrical equipment in the last week, bringing the total for May to 73. Most farm-related incidents happen during seeding. SaskPower reminds producers to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to plan ahead. More safety information is available at www.saskpower.com/safety.

Source: Crop Report for the Period May 8 to 14, 2018

Seeding is underway for many producers, with more expecting to hit the field in the coming week.  Nine per cent of the crop is now in the ground, behind the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 19 per cent for this time of year.  A slow start to spring has delayed field operations in much of the province.

Seeding is furthest advanced in the southwestern region, where 18 per cent of the crop is in the ground.  Fifteen per cent is seeded in the southeast, while all other regions in the province are reporting three per cent seeded.
Little to no rainfall was reported last week in most regions, with the Swift Current area receiving the most – 9.5 mm.  Many areas received rain earlier this week that will help with the dry field conditions.

Strong and warm winds have dried fields throughout the province, and many producers will need rain in the coming weeks to help crops germinate and establish.  Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as three per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate, 25 per cent short and five per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 55 per cent adequate, 31 per cent short and 12 per cent very short.

Winter wheat assessment continues as fields green up.  Pasture and hay land growth has been slow and some cattle producers are supplementing feed.  There have been multiple reports of grass and stubble fires due to the dry conditions and rain would be welcomed to help alleviate concerns.

Farmers are busy seeding, working fields, controlling weeds and moving cattle.

SaskPower reports 25 cases of farm machinery coming into contact with electrical equipment over the last week, bringing the total for this month to 27.  SaskPower reminds producers that most farming-related incidents happen during seeding and spraying.  Check for overhead lines before beginning your work.  More safety information is available at www.saskpower.com/safety.

Source: Crop Report for the Period May 1 to 7, 2018