Dry conditions at the onset of the seeding season fueled substantial progress made by producers in the past week. Seeding is currently reported at 49 per cent complete provincewide, up from 31 per cent last week, placing progress significantly ahead of the five and 10-year averages of 32 and 34 per cent.
That trend was seen in all regions, seeing considerable gains in the past week. The southwest region continues to lead the pack, at 76 per cent complete, followed by 49 per cent in the province’s northwest. The southeast, west-central and northeast all report seeding progress at 43 per cent. Meanwhile, east-central producers indicate 33 per cent completion as of this report.
On the provincial level, pulse crops have seen the most progress so far in the seeding season, 78 per cent of field peas, 71 per cent of lentils, and 65 per cent of chickpeas are currently in the ground.
Cereal crop seeding is led by triticale at 73 per cent, followed by durum at 65 per cent, with spring wheat, barley, and oats at 53, 45, and 28 per cent completion, respectively.
Oilseed producers report 66 per cent of mustard seeding operations as complete, canola at 29 per cent, and flax at 28 per cent. Perennial forage is reported at 25 per cent seeded, and soybeans trail, at just 14 per cent completion.
According to Crops Extension Specialist, Meghan Rosso, the trend towards considerable progress is holding true close to home as well.
“In the Moose Jaw area, reports of seeding completion ranged from 36 to 68 per cent complete on average, with some producers wrapping up seeding for the year.” Rosso explained.
“All crops within the region made considerable seeding progress over the past week's crops, including lentils, field peas and chickpeas are the furthest along and seeding progress. Closely followed by durum, barley and spring wheat within the region.”
Moisture levels were on the lower side in our region; however, it is worth noting that the impact of the considerable rainfall seen in some parts of the region at the tail end of last week was not factored into the figures presented.
“Warm, dry and windy conditions continued to deplete topsoil and moisture over the past week. Within the region, producers are hopeful for moisture in the coming week to help support crop development and improve hay and pasture,” said Rosso.
Cropland topsoil moisture levels in the southwest were rated as 48 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short, and five per cent very short.
Hayland moisture levels were also on the low end, 32 per cent adequate, 62 per cent short, and six per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture levels sat at 29 per cent adequate, 62 per cent short, and nine per cent very short.
Rosso said that progress continues to be made on the livestock front as well.
“Livestock producers are busy starting to move cattle out to pasture and branding’s have started within the region. Producers have noted that pastures are starting to green up, but growth is very slow due to the dry conditions we've been experiencing.”
She added that as progress continues across the province, now is a critical time for motorists to keep an eye out for farm machinery moving along highways and roads. She also encourages producers to take precautions while transporting equipment.