Saskatchewan Seeding Nears Completion

REGINA - Jun 12/14 - SNS -- Seeding of this year's crops are in the final stages in Saskatchewan, with some processors reporting that all pulses that farmers in tend to plant their areas are now in the ground.

In its weekly crop report, Saskatchewan Agriculture said 93% of all crops have now been planted, up from the recent five-year average of 87% at this time of year. Relatively dry weather allowed many producers to return to the field to complete seeding.

The southwestern and west-central regions have 97% of the crop seeded; the northeast 95%; the northwest 92%; the southeast 90% and the east-central region 89%.

Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 15% surplus, 78% adequate and seven% short. Hay land and pasture moisture conditions are rated as nine% surplus, 81% adequate, seven% short and three% very short.

Cool weather has delayed crop development in many parts of the province. The majority of fall cereals are in the tillering to jointed stages of crop development, while most spring cereals are in the emerging to tillering stages. Pulse crops are emerging and in the vegetative stages, and flax crops are mostly in the pre-emergent or emerging crop stages. Canola and mustard crops are emerging or at the seedling stage of crop development.

Although most crops are in good condition, there is some damage from localized flooding, frost, hail, wind and insects such as flea beetles and cutworms.