Local farmers have almost completed seeding for the 2019 crops. Ninety-two per cent of the crop is now seeded across Saskatchewan, up from 73 per cent last week as of May 21 to 27, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report.
87 per cent of crops is in the ground for the northwest which includes Lloydminster. The seed progress for the area is up 19 per cent from last weeks crop report.
Rainfall has been reported in the province from small amounts to 75 mm near Turtleford. Significant rainfall is still needed in order for crops to grow and for hay land and pasture to establish which has been slow due to lack of moisture. Most crop damage has been due to the dry conditions, strong winds, frost, hail and insects.
Topsoil moisture continues to deteriorate due to dry conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 32 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 20 per cent very short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as 25 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 28 per cent very short.
Crops are behind their development stage for this time of year with most crop growth delayed across the province. Farmers continue to complete seeding and begin in-crop pesticide applications.
The Provincial seeding progress is ahead of the five-year average (2014-18) of 83 per cent for this time of year.