Seeding in the southeast is progressing well despite recent rain delays, with 63 per cent of crops planted—slightly ahead of the five-year average of 58 per cent. Across the province, 72 per cent of crops have now been seeded, marking a 23 per cent increase from last week. However, this is a smaller increase than the previous week due to rainfall in parts of the south and east.
Pulse crops have the highest percentage of acres seeded, with 89 per cent of field peas, 87 per cent of lentils, and 81 per cent of chickpeas planted.
Spring cereals are also over halfway through seeding. Durum leads with 80 per cent planted, followed by spring wheat at 67 per cent, oats at 62 per cent, barley at 60 per cent, and canary seed at 57 per cent. Triticale is trailing significantly lower, with 21 per cent planted.
Seeding of oilseed crops is approximately halfway completed, with 51 per cent of mustard, 47 per cent of flax, 42 per cent of canola, and 45 per cent of soybean crops planted.
Seeding of perennial forage crops is 21 per cent complete.
The southeast received a large amount of precipitation last week, which affected seeding efforts. The most rainfall recorded was 139 millimeters in the Lampman area, followed by 104 millimeters in the Oxbow area and 100 millimeters in the Frobisher area. Areas around Carnduff and Wapella also saw significant rainfall, measuring up to 93 and 87 millimeters, respectively.
Topsoil moisture levels are significantly higher in the southeast than in the rest of the province. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated at 27 per cent surplus, 70 per cent adequate, and three per cent short.
Hayland areas are rated at 13 per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate, seven per cent short, and one per cent very short. Most producers in the southeast are satisfied with moisture conditions and are eager to resume seeding after rain delays.