Seeding is virtually complete around the west-central region. At 99 per cent done as of June 2, the progress represents a 5 per cent jump from last week, and a two per cent rise when considering the five-year average.
Individually, nearly every crop is reporting at least 96 per cent. Soybeans (75) and perennial forage (82) were the only ones with considerable progress left to go.
Producers are watching the moisture situation closely with a continued lack of rain starting to create some worries. The highest amount of rain during the week was noted in the Buffalo area at seven mm, the next closest being the areas of Reford and Hillsdale all the way down at two mm.
The current moisture situation is already creating a downtrend in topsoil moisture conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture only has a one per cent surplus, 28 per cent adequate, compared to 59 per cent short and 12 per cent very short. Hayland is faring a little better with things reading 19 per cent adequate, 49 per cent short and 32 per cent very short. Pasture is similar at 18 per cent adequate, 55 per cent short, and 27 per cent very short.
Despite the lack of rain many crops have been seeing strong emergence so far around the region. It's especially noticeable for earlier seeded crops with spotty germination being noticed for later seeded crops. Crop conditions across the board are in good to fair conditions
While producers wait for rain the weather is making itself known in other ways. Crop damage during the week was caused by severe heat, high winds, and the overall dry conditions. Other losses during the week could have been due to insects as the crop report notes producers are currently on the lookout for flea beetles and cutworms.
As seeding wraps up it's important to note the novelty of this year, compared to the same time last year. Many producers around Saskatchewan were in or around the 77 per cent mark and noticing crops making significant progress with a majority of them in excellent to good condition. Opposite of this year, crop damage was mostly due to frost and excessive water.