Saskatchewan producers made major strides last week, pushing seeding completion to 88 per cent across the province — ahead of the five-year average of 82 per cent and the 10-year average of 85 per cent.
The province’s weekly crop report, released Thursday, said warm and windy conditions helped move seeding along, though they also led to slight declines in topsoil moisture.
The southwest led all regions at 95 per cent complete, followed by the west-central region at 94 per cent, northwest at 93, and northeast at 92. The southeast and east-central regions trail behind at 80 and 81 per cent, respectively.
Lentils and field peas are the most advanced crops provincewide, with 95 and 98 per cent seeded. Among cereals, triticale, durum and spring wheat are all over 90 per cent complete. Oilseed seeding is progressing steadily, with mustard at 92 per cent, canola at 83, and flax at 73.
Soybeans remain the furthest behind at just 48 per cent complete, while perennial forages sit at 55 per cent.
Rainfall varied widely, with the heaviest recorded total in the Weyburn area at 66 millimetres. Indian Head and Griffin each saw 20 mm, while the Browning area received 18 mm.
Dry, windy conditions slightly reduced topsoil moisture. Cropland moisture levels are rated at four per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate, and 27 per cent short. Hay and pasture land show similar trends, with more than 30 per cent of both now considered short on moisture.
Crop development is mostly on track for this time of year. Fall cereals are leading at 89 per cent normal, while spring cereals are at 73 per cent. Oilseeds lag slightly, with 20 per cent rated behind normal development. Annual and perennial forage crops are progressing well, sitting between 77 and 79 per cent normal.
Crop damage over the past week was minor, with some producers reporting losses from wind, heat and dryness. Localized flooding and light frost also caused issues in some areas. Insects such as flea beetles, cutworms and wireworms are active, and grasshopper hatchings have begun, though reported damage remains low.
Most producers expect to finish seeding in the coming week, weather permitting. Many are also busy spraying, land rolling, and moving cattle to pasture.
The province is reminding producers to stay safe during the busy season and to seek support from the Farm Stress Line at 1-800-667-4442.
A printable version of the crop report is available at saskatchewan.ca, and updates are posted weekly at @SKAgriculture on Twitter.