Seeding Wrapping Up in Saskatchewan

REGINA - Jun 11/20 - SNS -- Seeding of this year's pulse and specialty crops is essentially complete in Saskatchewan, judging from data from the provincial agriculture department.

An estimated 4% of the crop had not yet emerged as of June 8, while 54% had emerged and 42% was in the vegetative growth stage.

The provincial agriculture department said most areas received at least some rain during the past week, with the northwest and west-central regions receiving a substantial amount, resulting in some localized flooding.

Topsoil moisture conditions in Saskatchewan have improved. Higher amounts of rain in the west-central region have significantly improved moisture conditions in the area, but there are more fields rated as having surplus moisture in the northern regions. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 5% surplus, 74% adequate, 20% short and 1% very short.

The majority of crop damage reported in Saskatchewan during the past week was due to strong winds, dry soil conditions, insects including flea beetles and cutworms, as well as localized flooding specifically in parts of the west-central and northwest regions.

       Saskatchewan Pulse Crop Development Stage
                       (per cent)
             Pre-Emerge   Emerging Vegetative  Flowering
Southeast             3         53         44          0
Southwest             3         54         43          0
East Central          7         46         47          0
West Central          4         56         40          0
Northeast             3         67         30          0
Northwest             7         71         22          0
All                   4         54         42          0
SOURCE: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food