Despite a slow start to the season caused by wet weather in parts of the southeast, seeding is now 80 percent complete across the region, matching the five-year average and marking a significant jump from just a week earlier.
Crops Extension Specialist Kim Stonehouse with the Ministry of Agriculture noted that while seeding in the southeast saw some delays due to recent rainfall, the province overall is well ahead of schedule.
“Provincially, we’re at 88 per cent right now,” Stonehouse said. “That’s ahead of the five-year average of 82 per cent as well as the 10-year average of 85 per cent, so it’s looking pretty good.”
Field peas lead the way in southeastern Saskatchewan at 97 percent seeded, followed closely by lentils at 95 per cent and chickpeas at 85 per cent. Cereal crops are also progressing well, with durum at 90 per cent complete and spring wheat at 85 per cent. Oilseed crops are trailing slightly, with mustard at 73 per cent, canola at 69 per cent, and flax at 63 per cent.
The recent rainfall has had a positive impact on topsoil moisture conditions in the southeast, where cropland is now rated at 79 per cent adequate and 17 per cent surplus. That’s a dramatic improvement compared to the very dry conditions the region experienced heading into winter.
“They have (improved) for the southeast,” Stonehouse said. “Not so much for the rest of the province... particularly in the northeast and the west-central region where moisture levels are quite a bit lower.”
Weyburn reported the highest precipitation in the region this past week with 66 mm, while areas such as Griffin and Indian Head saw 20 mm, and Browning reported 18 mm.
Most crops in the southeast are reported to be developing normally. Fall cereals are 82 per cent at normal development stages for this time of year, while spring cereals are 74 per cent normal, and pulse crops sit at 77 per cent. Oilseeds are lagging slightly, with only 67 per cent at normal development and 30 per cent reported as behind.
Some producers have reported minor crop damage from flooding, wind, and frost, along with isolated insect concerns, including flea beetles, cutworms, and pea leaf weevils. Control measures are already being implemented in some areas.
Looking ahead, Stonehouse said producers will be working to complete seeding and start in-crop herbicide applications. Cattle movement to pasture and land rolling are also underway in many areas.
“It’s been a pretty good year as far as seeding was concerned,” Stonehouse added. “Conditions were relatively dry across the province, and there were very few interruptions.”
Stonehouse also encouraged producers to stay safe in the field.
“Be careful when moving equipment around. Conditions are quite dry, so keep a fire extinguisher or water truck nearby, if possible.”