Seeding progress in southeast Saskatchewan has reached 95 per cent, up from 80 per cent last week. The region is now on pace with the five-year average, which sits at 94 per cent.
Farmers have completed or nearly completed seeding of many crops including field peas, lentils, spring wheat, durum and canary seed. Barley is reported at 96 per cent complete, followed by canola at 94 per cent. Oats and flax are each at 92 per cent. Canary seed and soybeans are at 90 and 89 per cent complete, respectively. Chickpeas sit at 85 per cent while mustard is at 84 per cent.
The crops furthest behind are perennial forage crops at 59 per cent and triticale at 56 per cent.
Very little rain was recorded in the region over the past week. The only measurable amount was in the Mount Pleasant area, which received three millimetres.
Topsoil moisture levels have declined again this week, although most areas remain adequate. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated at five per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate and 19 per cent short. Hayland moisture is seven per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and four per cent very short. Pasture moisture conditions are reported at eight per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and five per cent very short.
Crop conditions overall are reported as good to excellent. There are some reports of crops in fair condition. A full summary of crop conditions across all regions is available in the attached crop conditions table.
Producers in the southeast have reported minor to moderate crop damage caused by wind. Some fields have also seen minor damage due to excess moisture. Damage from heat and dry conditions has increased. Producers continue to monitor for grasshoppers, gophers and waterfowl, and there are also reports of minor to moderate damage from flea beetles and cutworms.
As the week progresses, producers are expected to finish seeding and begin in-crop spraying when weather permits. They are also continuing with land rolling, rock picking and moving the last of their livestock out to pasture.