Seeding Pushes Forward in Saskatchewan
REGINA - May 10/18 - SNS -- Seeding of this year's crops is now 9% complete in Saskatchewan, compared to 11% by the end of the first week of May last year and the recent 5-year average of 19% complete, according to the latest crop update from Saskatchewan's department of agriculture.
Seeding is furthest advanced in the southwestern region, where 18% of the crop is in the ground. In the southeast, 15% is seeded, while all other regions in the province are reporting 3% seeded.
Seeding progress was not broken down by crop, but judging from the level of progress in individual crop districts, it seems likely that 9% of the peas, lentils and chickpeas crops have been planted, while 11% of the intended mustard area is in the ground and 5% of this year's canaryseed crop.
Strong and warm winds have dried fields throughout the province, and many producers will need rain in the coming weeks to help crops germinate and establish. Many areas are reporting grass and stubble fires due to the dry field conditions
Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 3% surplus, 67% adequate, 25% short and 5% very short.
In southeastern Saskatchewan, 15% of all crops are in the ground, down from the recent average of 26%. While some producers have been in the field for a week or two, some are just getting started.
Topsoil moisture conditions have slightly deteriorated over the past week, thanks to strong and warm winds. Many producers have indicated that, while there is enough topsoil moisture for seeding, rainfall will be needed in the coming weeks to help with germination and establishment. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 36% adequate, 47% short and 17% very short.
Farmers in southwestern Saskatchewan have planted 18% of this year's intended area, down from the recent average of 32%. While most producers have indicated that moisture is adequate for seeding, rain will be needed in the coming weeks to help with germination and establishment.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 68% adequate, 26% short and 6% very short.
Only 3% of the crop has been planted in east-central Saskatchewan, compared to an average of 7% by this time. Many producers expect to be seeding in the coming weeks.
Although wind has been welcomed to help dry fields for seeding, many producers have indicated that rain will be needed in the coming weeks for crops to germinate and emerge. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 2% surplus, 68% adequate, 27% short and 3% very short.
Seeding progress is also behind average in west-central Saskatchewan. So far, 3% has been planted, behind the recent average of 12%. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 2% surplus, 82% adequate and 16% short.
Some farmers are in fields in northeastern Saskatchewan, with the result 3% of the crop has been planted, compared to an average of 8% by this time of year. Some fields remain cool and wet, although recent winds have dried up many.
Topsoil moisture conditions have improved thanks to recent winds; however, rain will be needed in the coming weeks to help crops emerge and establish. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 15% surplus, 79% adequate and 6% short.
Improved weather allowed farmers in´the northwest allowed farmers to plant 3% of their intended area, down from an average of 12%. General seeding is expected to be underway in the coming weeks, once the soil warms up a little more.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 2% surplus, 86% adequate, 11% short and 1% very short.
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