Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture has released the Crop Report for the period of May 14 to 20 — the province’s farmers have now completed over half of this spring’s seeding, according to Meghan Rosso, a Crops Extension Specialist at the Agriculture Knowledge Centre headquartered in Moose Jaw.
“Currently 56 per cent of the 2024 crop is in the ground,” Rosso explained. “This is up from 32 per cent that was reported seeded last week.”
That 56 per cent does lag behind the five-year average of 76 per cent and the 10-year average of 74 per cent, but as this attributable to the amount of rain lately, no one is complaining.
Focusing on the southwest section of the province, which includes Moose Jaw, producers report they are 64 per cent done with seeding.
Rainfall occurred in much of the province at varying amounts over the past week. The highest reported rainfall was in the Mossbank area at 58 mm, followed by the Meadow Lake and Choiceland areas at 52 mm and 51 mm.
Although the rain has helped replenish topsoil moisture levels and improve growing conditions, many producers are hopeful for a pause to allow seeding progress to continue.
Topsoil moisture conditions continue to improve across much of the province with the recent rainfall. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated at six per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate and five per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at three per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and one per cent very short. Similarly, pasture topsoil moisture is rated at three per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and two per cent very short.
Early seeded crops are beginning to emerge throughout the province with good emergence reported overall. Crop development is in the normally expected range for this time of year.
Producers are continuing to monitor pasture conditions while moving cattle. Currently, pasture conditions are rated as 12 per cent excellent, 55 per cent good, 26 per cent fair, six per cent poor and one per cent very poor across the province.
“A few producers have reported some crop damage in relation to frost, as well as wind,” Rosso said, “but it didn't appear to be widespread across the province.
“Some producers have also seen some damage due to cutworms, wire worms, and flea beetles. So, as crops are starting to emerge, producers will have to monitor that going forward.”
As the weather allows, producers will be busy continuing seeding operations, herbicide applications, moving cattle to pasture, and brandings. Producers are reminded to keep safety top of mind while working.
For any crop or livestock questions, producers are encouraged to call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, toll free at 1-866-457-2377. The full Crop Report is available through saskatchewan.ca/crop-report.