Helping things along was the rainfall that varied across the province. The areas around Porcupine Plain and Foam Lake received 73 to 83 millimeters, the department reported. That also improved Saskatchewan’s topsoil moisture levels, with four per cent rated as surplus, 91 per cent was adequate and four per cent was short.

Field pea planting was virtually complete at 99 per cent, followed closely behind by lentils at 97 per cent. Meanwhile, chickpeas were a little further back at 90 per cent finished. Saskatchewan Ag said 18 per cent of the pulses were at the pre-emergent stage, with 68 per cent at the seedling stage and 14 per cent at the vegetative stage.

Of the cereals, spring wheat led at 96 per cent seeded, with durum a point back. Barley was next at 92 per cent complete, with oats at 88 per cent and triticale at 84 per cent. The department reported 26 per cent of spring cereals were at the pre-emergent stage, 57 per cent were at the seedling stage and 17 per cent were tillering.

As for the winter cereals, 48 per cent reached the tillering stage, with 25 per cent at stem elongation, 20 per cent at flag leaf and seven per cent were heading.

The oilseeds saw canary seed at 94 per cent finished with canola at 93 per cent, flax at 92 per cent and mustard at 87 per cent. Saskatchewan reported 43 per cent of the canola and mustard were at the pre-emergent stage, 54 per cent was at the seedling stage and three per cent at the rosette stage.

Regionally, planting reached 96 per cent complete in Saskatchewan’s southeast and southwest, with the northwest at 93 per cent done. A point behind that were the east-central, west-central and northeast regions of the province.

As seeding wound down, more producers were spraying their crops when the weather permitted.

In terms of damage, wind, frost and hail led to some minor issues. Flea beetles and cutworms were being dealt with while grasshoppers and gophers continued to be monitored.

The post Planting in Saskatchewan on the verge of completion appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

The central, eastern and Interlake regions received upwards to 36 to 39 millimeters of rain last week, while the northwest and southwest of the province got as much as 18 to 20 mm. Manitoba Ag noted that all regions of the province have accumulated in excess of 100 per cent of their normal precipitation since May 1 with a number of areas over 150 per cent.

Among the spring cereals, wheat planting in Manitoba was 94 per cent complete, with barley at 88 per cent and oats close behind at 87 per cent. Corn reached 95 per cent finished and early planted corn was at the V3 stage. Fall rye and winter wheat ranged from stem elongation to booting, with some rye heading.

Field peas led the pulses at 97 per cent seeded, with some of the crops at the three to five node stage. Dry beans were about two-thirds planted.

Of the oilseeds, soybean planting advanced to 82 per cent done, with some fields at unifoliate stage. Canola was next at 71 per cent complete with some of the crop at cotyledon to two true leaves. Flax reached 64 per cent finished and sunflowers at 53 per cent done, with some of the latter at the cotyledon to first true leaf stage.

Pastures and hayfields saw a good deal of growth during the week, with reports of standing water. Producers placed more cattle on pastures.

Bromes and ryegrasses were tillering, and tame hay grew as much as 16 inches while the alfalfa was about 14 inches tall.

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Major crop planting in Alberta advanced 19.6 points at 77.3 per cent, 6.4 points behind the five-year average and 4.4 points behind the 10-year average. While a pair of regions did not seed half of their acres by May 21, all regions were at least 70 per cent finished as of May 28. The Peace region made the most progress at 86.2 per cent, with southern Alberta at 83.6 per cent. Central Alberta was 75.5 per cent complete, the North West was at 71.6 per cent and the North East was at 70.7 per cent.

Dry pea planting was 93.8 per cent finished in Alberta as of May 28, with the North East region at 99 per cent. Spring wheat seeding was 88.7 per cent complete province-wide, while barley was at 72.2 per cent. Canola had two-thirds of its acres seeded, while oats were at 56.4 per cent.

Meanwhile, crop emergence doubled from the past week to more than 40 per cent, slightly ahead of the five- and 10-year averages.

Much of the province saw light scattered showers during the week, only amounting to a few millimetres. Some areas around the Rocky Mountains in the North West and Central regions received 30 to 40 mm.

Despite the rain, surface soil moisture slightly declined across Alberta, but was still above historical averages. The province was rated 77.6 per cent good to excellent, above the 64.3 per cent five-year average and the 66.2 per cent 10-year average. The North East region was rated the best at 91.1 per cent good to excellent, while the Peace region was the worst at 64.3 per cent.

For sub-surface soil moisture, Alberta was rated at 66 per cent. The best rating was found in the Peace region at 82 per cent despite a five-point decline from the past week, while the worst rating was in South region at 55 per cent.
Provincial pasture growth conditions improved two points to 70.1 per cent good to excellent, more than 19 points ahead of the five-year average. The best rating was in the Central region at 83.9 per cent good to excellent, while the Peace region was at 40.2 per cent. Tame hay growth conditions were rated at 68 per cent good to excellent across Alberta, three points more than the week before. The best rating was in the Central region at 85 per cent good to excellent, while the worst was in the Peace region at 41 per cent.

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The Canadian Grain Commission reported 420,700 tonnes of wheat exports for the week ended May 26, 52,000 less than the week before. So far in the 2023-24 marketing year, 18.039 million tonnes have been exported, compared to 16.467 million one year ago.

In Saskatchewan, 84 per cent of the province’s spring wheat crop was planted as of May 27, while in Manitoba, 87 per cent of spring wheat acres were seeded as of May 28. Spring wheat seeding in Alberta was 72.2 per cent complete as of May 21.

Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat prices were down C$1.40 to C$4.20 per tonne, according to price quotes from a cross-section of delivery points compiled by PDQ (Price and Data Quotes). Average prices were between C$332.80/tonne in southeast Saskatchewan to C$352.70 in southern Alberta.

Quoted basis levels ranged from between C$60.10 to C$80/tonne above the futures when using the grain company methodology of quoting the basis as the difference between the U.S. dollar denominated futures and the Canadian dollar cash bids.

Accounting for exchange rates and adjusting Canadian prices to U.S. dollars (C$1=US$0.7311), CWRS bids were from US$243.30 to US$257.80/tonne. Currency adjusted basis levels ranged from US$14.80 to US$29.30 below the futures. If the futures were converted to Canadian dollars, basis levels would be C$10.80 to C$21.50 below the futures.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prairie Red Spring (CPRS) prices were up C$0.30 to down C$2.90/tonne. The lowest average bid for CPRS was C$313.10 in southeast Saskatchewan, while the highest average bid was C$334.70 in southern Alberta.

The average prices for Canada Western Amber Durum (CWAD) were down C$0.80 to C$2.50 per tonne with bids between C$375.80 in southern Alberta to C$394.40 in western Manitoba.

The July spring wheat contract in Minneapolis, which most CWRS contracts are based off of, was quoted at US$7.42 per bushel on May 30 and two U.S. cents lower than the previous week.

The Kansas City hard red winter wheat futures, which are now traded in Chicago, are more closely linked to CPSR in Canada. The July contract was quoted at US$7.095/bu., down 1.25 U.S. cents.

The July Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) wheat contract lost 17 U.S. cents from the previous week at US$6.81/bu.
The Canadian dollar advanced 0.13 U.S. cents to close at 73.11 cents on May 30.

The post Prairie Wheat Weekly: Western Canadian bids show small declines appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

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.

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.

The post Saskatchewan seeding progress running behind average appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

Provincial seeding progress advanced to 64 per cent as of May 28, 17 points more than the previous week. The figure was also two points ahead of the same week last year, but 13 points behind the five-year average.

Pea planting was nearly complete at 96 per cent, while spring wheat planting was 87 per cent complete. Corn and barley planting were 80 and 79 per cent complete, respectively, while oats were at 76 per cent completion. Slightly more than half of soybean acres were seeded at 55 per cent, while canola and sunflowers were both at 41 per cent. Dry beans were nearly one-quarter seeded at 24 per cent.

Winter cereal fertilizer applications were completed with 85 to 95 per cent field survival. Cereals in the Central region were the most advanced as early-planted crops were in the five-leaf stage.

A weather system on May 24 and 25 brought large amounts of precipitation to all growing regions in Manitoba, exceeding 100 per cent normal precipitation since May 1. Winkler received the most moisture at 86.7 millimetres during the week, while The Pas was the driest at 6.0 mm.

In terms of percentage, Eden in southwest Manitoba has been the wettest place in Manitoba this season, getting 142 mm at 303 per cent normal precipitation. The two driest places were Ruthenia in the northwest at 47 mm for 113 per cent and Oakburn in the southwest at 46 mm for 114 per cent.

The rains helped hay fields and pasture growth maintain their good shape with standing water in some areas. Tame hay growth was up to 16 inches, while alfalfa stands were up to 12 inches tall and dense.

Many cattle operations had their animals fully on pasture, but some cattle were moved to certain pastures in order to avoid mud. Calving and supplementary feeding were ongoing, with vaccinations underway. Dugouts were full and water levels adequate.

The post Manitoba crop report: Seeding continues despite large rainfall appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

By region, farmers in the southwest were furthest along at 64 per cent done, followed by those in the northwest at 63 per cent and the southeast at 61 per cent. The east-central region reached 54 per cent complete, with the northeast at 48 per cent and the west-central at 47 per cent.

Crop development in Saskatchewan was 83 per cent normal to ahead for fall cereals, with spring cereals and pulses at 71 per cent, and oilseeds at 69 per cent. While the emergence of the early seeded crops was reported to be good, there have been a few instances of cutworms, wireworms and flea beetles. Most of the crop damage was caused by frost, minor flooding, wind, and hail.

Farmers in most parts of Saskatchewan contended with rain at some point during the week, with some areas receiving up to 58 millimeters. The rain continued to improve topsoil moisture conditions with that of cropland at six per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate and five per cent short. The hayland came in at three per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate and 11 per cent short and one per cent very short.

Pastureland was also at three per cent surplus, while 83 per cent was adequate, 12 per cent short and two per cent very short. As well, the pastures rated 67 per cent good to excellent.

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Field pea planting was the most advanced at 90 per cent done, with 70 per cent of the cereals and 65 per cent of the corn seeded, according to the report. Canola was 20 per cent planted, soybeans 34 per cent and sunflowers 26 per cent.

Seeding was the most advanced in the central region of the province, while rains in the Interlake had caused some delays with the total progress in the region sitting at 30 per cent done.

Winter cereals were reportedly growing rapidly, with a field survival rate of 85 to 95 per cent. Early planted spring cereals were in the three to four leaf stage of development.

Warmer temperatures and recent precipitation benefited hay and pastures across Manitoba. Grasses and forages had noticeable growth. Tame hay growth was up to eight to 10 inches. Pastures and alfalfa were quickly greening up and will make use of the current availability of moisture. Nearly all creeks, streams, dugouts, and sloughs have refilled to capacity.

The post Manitoba seeding progress nears halfway mark appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

Seeding was 32.5 per cent complete for major crops in Alberta as of May 14, compared to 15.7 per cent one week earlier. While the rains hindered planting progress in the eastern half of the province, the moisture will benefit crops in the long-term. Meanwhile, northwestern Alberta and the Peace region saw little to no rainfall, but seeding there continued its rapid pace.

Planting in the south region was the most advanced at 50.2 per cent complete, up 13.5 points from last week. The Peace region gained 22.4 points at 40.7 per cent, while central Alberta was at 29.5 per cent, up from 14.1 per cent the week before. Northwest Alberta completed 21.9 per cent of its seeding compared to just 3.9 per cent the previous week, while planting in northeastern Alberta has fallen behind the most at 18.9 per cent, up from 2.7 per cent seven days earlier.

Alberta’s dry pea crop completed 62.1 per cent of seeding, compared to 44.9 per cent for spring wheat, 32.6 per cent for barley, 15 per cent for oats and 14.9 per cent for canola. Emergence of major crops was at six per cent, compared to the five- and 10-year averages of three per cent. In southern Alberta, emergence was at 15 per cent.

Except for the Peace region, the recent precipitation helped replenish surface soil moisture across Alberta, rating 71.8 per cent good to excellent, better than the previous week’s figure of 58.1 per cent and above the five-year (58 per cent) and 10-year averages (63 per cent). Surface soil moisture in northeastern Alberta was at 88 per cent good to excellent, up 12 points from last week, while the Peace region was at 42 per cent, down six points from the week before.

As for subsoil moisture, the province was rated at 58 per cent good to excellent, 58 per cent at around the five- and 10-year averages. While southern Alberta made the biggest improvement at 14 points, only 50 per cent was rated good to excellent compared to 71 per cent in the northeast.

Pasture growth conditions were rated 53.3 per cent good to excellent across the province, up from the 46.4 per cent five-year average. Central Alberta was rated the highest at 60 per cent, while the northwest went from zero per cent to 33 per cent in one week. Conditions in the Peace region were the worst at 31 per cent.

Tame hay conditions were four points better than the five-year average at 47 per cent good to excellent with the best in central Alberta at 67 per cent and the worst in the Peace region at 31 per cent.

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In total, 32 per cent of intended acres were seeded so far this spring, according to the Saskatchewan government’s weekly crop report released on May 16. One week earlier, seeding across the province was only 12 per cent complete.

However, the five-year average is 54 per cent and the 10-year average is 45 per cent.

Saskatchewan’s southwest region planted the most at 45 per cent, while the southeast was at 36 per cent. The northeast region completed 26 per cent of seeding, while west-central Saskatchewan was at 23 per cent and the east-central region was at 22 per cent. Central and southern regions advanced from five per cent on average the previous week to 26 per cent the week after.

Field peas lead the way with 53 per cent of acres planted, followed by lentils at 50 per cent. Chickpeas (39 per cent), durum (38 per cent) and spring wheat (36 per cent) were more than one-third finished. Other crops planted were barley (30 per cent), mustard (24 per cent), oats (22 per cent), canary seed (19 per cent), triticale (18 per cent), canola (17 per cent), flax (12 per cent), perennial forage (11 per cent) and soybeans (eight per cent).

The most rainfall was reported around Richmound in the southwest at 59 millimetres, followed by Avonlea and Leader both receiving 48 mm.

Cropland topsoil moisture was reported at four per cent surplus, 86 per cent adequate, nine per cent short and one per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture was two per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and two per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture conditions were two per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and two per cent very short.

Early seeded crops have started to emerge while other growers have applied herbicide as heat and rainfall caused weeds to appear. Cattle were being moved out to greening pastures.

The post Saskatchewan Crop Report: Half of field pea, lentil acres seeded appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.