Saskatchewan Seeding Wrapping Up

REGINA - Jun 3/21 - SNS -- Seeding of this year's pulse crops is wrapping up in Saskatchewan, with 99% of the peas and chickpeas in the ground, compared to 95% of the lentil crop and 96% of the soybeans.

In its first estimate of provincial crop conditions, Saskatchewan Agriculture estimated 70% of lentil fields are in good to excellent condition, compared to 67% of peas and 68% of chickpeas.

For other special crops, the agriculture department estimated 70% of canaryseed fields are in good to excellent conditions, compared to 60% of the mustard seed crop and 40% of soybean fields.

Previous rains provided some relief, but Saskatchewan Agriculture said, "Minimal precipitation and strong winds have reduced topsoil moisture conditions in all regions of the province."

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 72% adequate, 20% short and 8% very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 58% adequate, 29% short and 13% very short.

"Smaller seed crops, such as canola and mustard, are rated as fair to good. This is mainly due to reduced germination caused by winds and lack of moisture as well as flea beetle pressure. The moisture received over the previous two weeks has allowed later seeded crops to emerge more evenly and earlier seeded crops are now able to develop further."

                Saskatchewan Seeding Progress to May 31, 2021
                             (per cent planted)
                         2018       2019       2020       2021     5-Year
Week Ending             Jun 4      Jun 3      Jun 1     May 31    Average
Mustard                  98.0       92.0       99.0       98.0       97.0
Lentils                 100.0      100.0       98.0       95.0       99.0
Field Peas              100.0      100.0       99.0       99.0      100.0
Chickpeas                98.0      100.0       99.0       99.0       99.0
Canaryseed               97.0       99.0       98.0       99.0       97.0
Flaxseed                 87.0       98.0       94.0       96.0       91.0
Canola                   99.0       99.0       95.0       96.0       96.0
Spring Wheat             97.0       99.0       96.0       98.0       97.0
Durum Wheat              98.0       99.0       98.0       98.0       98.0
Oats                     86.0       98.0       88.0       92.0       90.0
Barley                   96.0       98.0       93.0       96.0       94.0
Soybean                  96.0      100.0       93.0       96.0       97.0
BASED on Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food data