Farmers have been making good progress in the field; so far 88 per cent of the provincial crop in the ground.
According to Saskatchewan's weekly crop report seeding is most advanced in the southwest at 95 per cent, followed by the west-central region at 94 per cent, the northwest at 93, the northeast at 92, the east central at 81, and the southeast at 80 per cent seeded.
Crop development across the province has fall cereals at 89 per cent of normal crop development for this time of year. Spring cereals are at 73 per cent of normal, pulse crops are rated at 76 per cent, and oilseeds at 73 per cent of normal. Perennial forage is at 79 per cent of normal crop development, and annual forage is at 77 per cent.
Crop Extension Specialist Kim Stonehouse says warm, windy weather over the past week has resulted in a slight decline in topsoil moisture conditions.
"Cropland topsoil moisture is four per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate and 27 per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is two per cent surplus, 59 per cent adequate and 31 per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is very similar with one per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and two per cent very short."
He notes that a few producers reported some crop damage due to the heat, wind, and dry conditions, while flooding and frost were also noted as causing minor damage in some areas of the province.
As producers continue with seeding and field work operations, they are encouraged to take safety precautions in all the work that they do. The Farm Stress Line can help by providing support for producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.