GULL LAKE | Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan producers now have 81 percent of the 2017 crop in the ground, right in line with the five-year (2012-2016) seeding average for this time of year of 82 per cent. Wet field conditions and frequent rainfall in many northern areas have delayed progress, and producers there will need a couple more weeks of warm and dry weather.

Seeding is most advanced in the Southeast, where producers have 95 percent of the crop in the ground. Ninety-four percent is seeded in the southwest; 80 per cent in the west-central region; 79 percent in the east-central region; 76 percent in the northwest and 43 percent in the Northeast.

Ninety-six per cent of lentils, 95 per cent of field peas, 92 per cent of durum, 91 percent of soybeans, 81 percent of spring wheat, 80 per cent of flax, 78 per cent of mustard, 76 percent of canola and 73 per cent of barley have now 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 65 mm of rain, while many parts of central and southern Saskatchewan received nothing. Fields in the north remain very wet, while many fields in other parts of the province are in need of rain to help crops germinate and emerge.

Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 11 percent surplus, 75 percent adequate, 12 percent short and two per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent surplus, 70 percent adequate, 23 percent short and two per cent very short.

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.

Producers are busy seeding, controlling weeds and picking rocks.

SaskPower reports that there have been 91 incidents of farm equipment coming in contact with power poles or lines in May, including 15 incidents between May 22 and 27 alone. Weekly and monthly totals are adjusted on an ongoing basis, as some incidents are not reported to SaskPower immediately after they occur. Producers are urged to be especially careful when using equipment around power lines. Safety information is available at http://www.saskpower.com/safety.

A complete version of the Crop Report is available online at http://www.publications.gov.sk.ca/redirect.cfm?p=85592&i=99092.

Follow the 2017 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.

Source: Crop Report for the Period May 23 to 29, 2017 | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan

Seeding is advancing quickly in the province thanks to warm, dry weather.  Producers now have 60 per cent of the provincial crop in the ground, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report.  The five-year (2012-2016) seeding average for this time of year is 65 per cent.

Many producers have completed seeding operations while others will need several more weeks of warm, dry weather.  At this time, it is estimated that five per cent of acres will not be seeded due to excess moisture.

Seeding is most advanced in the southeast, where producers have 80 per cent of the crop in the ground.  Seventy-six per cent is seeded in the southwest; 59 per cent in the west-central region; 53 per cent in the east-central region; 43 per cent in the northwest; and 25 per cent in the northeast.

Much of the province did not receive any moisture this past week, although the Vonda area reported 18 mm.  Fields remain wet in more northern regions while fields in other parts of the province are in need of rain to help crops germinate and emerge.

Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 11 per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate, nine per cent short and one per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate, 15 per cent short and two per cent very short.

The majority of crops are either at or behind normal developmental stages for this time of year.  Overall, emerged crops are in good condition, although there has been some damage caused by strong winds, localized flooding and lack of moisture.  Hard frost last week damaged some alfalfa, winter cereal and canola fields; some fields will be re-seeded in the coming weeks.

Pasture conditions are rated as 15 per cent excellent, 53 per cent good, 24 per cent fair, seven per cent poor and one per cent very poor.

SaskPower reports that there were 23 power line contacts involving farm equipment between May 15 and 21 (67 in May, to date), and encourages farmers to use caution.  Safety information is available at www.saskpower.com/safety.

Producers are busy seeding, controlling weeds and moving cattle.

A complete version of the Crop Report is available online at http://www.publications.gov.sk.ca/details.cfm?p=85530.

Follow the 2017 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.

Source: Crop Report for the Period May 16 to 22, 2017 | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan