After early delays caused by wet conditions, seeding in the region has picked up pace and is now 80 per cent complete, matching the five-year average and marking a 25 per cent increase from last week.
Field peas are leading the season at 97 per cent complete, followed by lentils at 95 per cent and chickpeas at 85 per cent.
For cereal crops, durum is 90 per cent complete, spring wheat 85 per cent, barley 80 per cent, oats 74 per cent, canary seed 73 per cent, and triticale 44 per cent.
Oilseed progress is further behind at 73 per cent for mustard, 69 per cent for canola, 63 per cent for flax, and soybeans at 66 per cent.
Perennial forage seeding is reported at 27 per cent complete in the region.
Rainfall was variable this week, with increased amounts reported in the central area. Sixty-six millimeters was reported in the Weyburn area, followed by Griffin and Indian Head with 20 mm, and the Browning area with 18 mm.
Producers are hopeful for widespread rain to support crop development.
Topsoil moisture conditions for cropland are reported at 17 per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate, and 7 per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is reported at 11 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, and 8 per cent short. Most producers have reported normal crop development in the southeast.
Fall cereals are currently rated at 82 per cent normal crop development for this time of year, with 14 per cent ahead and 4 per cent behind normal. Spring cereals are estimated at 74 per cent normal, with 9 per cent ahead and 17 per cent behind.
Pulse crops are rated at 77 per cent normal development, 6 per cent ahead and 17 per cent behind.
Oilseeds are 67 per cent normal, with 3 per cent ahead and 30 per cent behind normal development. Some producers in the southeast are noting minor damage due to flooding, wind, and frost, with a few reports of more severe damage.
Flea beetle, cutworm, wireworm, pea leaf weevil, and root maggot activity were reported this week, and some producers are taking control measures. As the week progresses, producers will be finishing seeding, land rolling, and starting in-crop herbicide applications on earlier-seeded crops.