Limited Seeding in Saskatchewan

REGINA - May 9/13 - SNS -- Virtually no progress was made seeding crops in Saskatchewan during the past week, compared to 5% progress by this time last year, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's first crop progress report of the growing season.

Seeding activity has begun in parts of southwestern and west-central Saskatchewan, but most of the province's farmers are waiting for the soil to dry up before they can begin seeding.

A snowstorm brought significant precipitation to some parts of the province last Tuesday that has further delayed field work. This week's precipitation ranged from trace amounts to almost two inches in the east-central area. Many fields are still wet, although warm and windy weather has helped to dry some of them.

Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 40% surplus, 58% adequate and 2% short.

Southeastern Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 1, 2, and 3ASE)

Warm and windy weather has helped to melt much of the remaining snow that remained in the southeast; however, the quick melt in some areas has caused roads and fields to flood and more warm weather will be needed to help dry them. There have been reports of field work beginning in the southeast, although the majority of producers are at least a week or two away from the start of seeding.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 56% surplus, 43% adequate and 1% short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 43% surplus, 54% adequate and three% short. CD 2B is reporting that 77% of the cropland and 69% of the hay land and pasture has surplus topsoil moisture.

Southwestern Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 3ASW, 3AN, 3B and 4)

Seeding and field work has begun in some areas of the region that received less precipitation this winter. There are reports of durum, canola, mustard and pulses being seeded. Although most producers will not begin to seed for another week or two, it is expected that many will begin this weekend.

Topsoil moisture for cropland is rated as 6% surplus, 90% adequate and 4% short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as three% surplus, 84% adequate and 13% short. CD 4A is reporting 28% and 43%, respectively, of cropland and hay land and pasture to be short of topsoil moisture

There are reports of grass fires in some areas. Some farmers have been able to apply fertilizer and herbicide on drier land, although many roads are still soft.

East Central Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 5 and 6A)

Some areas of the region received significant amounts of precipitation last Tuesday that will further delay field work. Most crop reporters have indicated that it will be another week or more until seeding can begin due to excess moisture and soft fields.

Topsoil moisture for cropland is rated as 46% surplus and 54% adequate. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 40% surplus and 60% adequate. CD 5A is reporting that 63% and 46%, respectively, of cropland and hay land and pasture have surplus topsoil moisture.

There have been reports of localized flooding in yards, homes and fields. Low spots and sloughs are full in some areas, and warm and windy days are needed to help dry fields. Some producers have been able to work drier fields and move equipment.

West-Central Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 6B and 7)

Some field work and seeding has begun in the west-central region, although cool temperatures and excess moisture is delaying most producers. The bulk of seeding will not begin for another week or two, according to the majority of crop reporters. There have been reports of localized flooding of some access roads, farmyards and fields.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 40% surplus, 59% adequate and 1% short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 29% surplus and 71% adequate.

Northeastern Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 8 and 9AE)

Seeding will be delayed in the northeastern region by at least two weeks due to excess moisture. Many fields and roads are flooded and warm temperatures will be needed to dry them. Pasture growth has been slow, which will delay the movement of cattle.

Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 79% surplus and 21% adequate. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 67% surplus and 33% adequate. CDs 9AE and 8A are reporting surplus topsoil moisture on 90% and 80%, respectively, of cropland.

There are indications that some producers will begin field work in the next week if the warm temperatures continue. Most of the snow has melted, although there is still a significant amount along some treelines and in bush. Some producers are considering changing their seeding plans if the fields do not dry as quickly as expected.

Northwestern Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 9AW and 9B)

Flooding and continued snow cover is causing issues for some producers in the region, although conditions are improving. The majority of seeding will be delayed for at least a couple of weeks until the fields dry. Some producers are considering changing their seeding plans if the excess moisture continues.

Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 22% surplus, 76% adequate and 2% short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 15% surplus, 83% adequate and 2% short.

Many fields still have large amounts of standing water, and warm and windy weather will be needed to dry them out. Many roads are still closed and access to fields is restricted in some areas.

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