Glacier FarmMedia—Saskatchewan farmers made good seeding progress during the week ended May 27 although operations continue to run behind average as varied rainfall caused some delays, according to the latest weekly report from the provincial agricultural department.
Planting progress came in at 77 per cent complete, which was up by 21 points from the previous week, but short of the five-year average of 91 per cent done for this time of year. Crop emergence was reported as excellent to good condition and topsoil moisture showed improvement over the past year.
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The southeast was the furthest advanced in seeding progress at 84 per cent complete with the northwest trailing at 68 per cent complete.
On a crop-by-crop basis, field peas and lentils were 92 per cent and 91 per cent complete respectively. Chickpeas and soybeans were reported at 78 per cent and 51 per cent. For cereal crops, durum and spring wheat were the furthest ahead at 87 per cent and 84 per cent respectively. Barley was at 76 per cent followed by oats at 67 per cent. For oilseeds, mustard was 78 per cent followed by canola at 71 per cent and flax at 67 per cent. Perennial forages were at 49 per cent complete.
Rainfall was variable across the province with many producers in the northern regions experiencing increased amounts. Overall, topsoil moisture improved over the year. Cropland topsoil moisture was three per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate and eight per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture was two per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate and 13 per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture was very similar with two per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, 13 per cent short and two per cent very short.
Farmers reported good crop emergence across the province. Of the crops that have emerged, the majority are reported in good-to-excellent condition. Lentils were rated 96 per cent good-to-excellent, Field peas at 94 per cent good-to-excellent and chickpeas at 98 per cent.
For cereal crops, winter wheat was estimated at 92 per cent excellent and 72 per cent good-to-excellent, durum at 95 per cent and spring wheat at 91 per cent.
For oilseed crops, mustard was rated at 90 per cent good-to-excellent, flax 88 per cent and canola at 87 per cent.
Crop damage was minor with a few producers reporting light frost and areas with excessive water, but limited crop damage. producers taking control measures. Some regions have observed grasshoppers hatching but no current reports of crop damage. Flea beetle and cutworm activity was also noted.
Many producers anticipate that seeding will wrap up within the next week if the weather permits. Producers were also busy moving cattle to pasture, spraying, rock picking and land rolling.
