Seeding operations made significant progress over the past week in southeast Saskatchewan, before the rains started, with 43 per cent of the crop now in the ground as of May 12, according to the latest crop report from the provincial Ministry of Agriculture. That marks a 29-point jump from the previous week and places the region well ahead of its five-year average of 27 per cent for this time of year.
Across the province, 49 per cent of the crop has been seeded.
Pulse crops are leading the way in the southeast. Field peas are 76 per cent seeded, followed by chickpeas at 61 per cent and lentils at 58 per cent. Durum wheat is the most advanced cereal crop at 53 per cent, with spring wheat at 42 per cent, oats at 40 per cent, barley at 39 per cent, triticale at 21 per cent, and canary seed at 18 per cent.
Among oilseeds, mustard is furthest ahead at 24 per cent seeded, followed by flax at 22 per cent and canola at 20 per cent. Soybeans remain the furthest behind at just 14 per cent complete, and perennial forage crops are at 10 per cent.
Seeding progress varied across the region. Census Division 2, which includes Weyburn, Avonlea, Fillmore, Minton, and Radville, is leading the way at 60 per cent complete. Census Division 1, which includes Estevan, Lampman, Redvers, Stoughton area, is at 51 per cent complete. Census Division 6, which includes Indian Head, Rouleau, Regina, Lumsden and Cupar, is at 36 per cent complete. The Broadview, Moosomin, Melville, Esterhazy area, which makes up Census Division 5, is 26 per cent complete.
While the region did receive some precipitation, overall amounts were limited. Lipton reported the highest rainfall at 8 millimetres, followed by Lumsden with 5 mm. Regina, Glenavon, and Radville each recorded 3 mm.
Topsoil moisture conditions remain mostly favourable for now. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 73 per cent adequate, though 24 per cent is short and one per cent very short. Hay land is rated as 61 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short and five per cent very short. Pasture moisture is slightly lower, with 57 per cent adequate and 43 per cent rated short or very short.
Water supply for livestock remains a concern for some producers. While 57 per cent of producers report no current or expected shortages, 31 per cent anticipate shortages in the next one to two months if dry conditions persist. Ten per cent are already experiencing moderate shortages, and two per cent report severe shortages. That said, 86 per cent of producers are not currently concerned about the quality of available water for livestock.
Producers across the region remain busy with field work, including pre-seed herbicide spraying, land rolling, and rock picking. Calving is wrapping up, and many livestock producers are now checking fences and beginning to move cattle out to pasture.