The latest Saskatchewan Crop Report shows farmers are once again ahead of schedule, and precipitation was not a big issue.
Even with prolonged rain over the May 18th to the 24th, farmers were able to get up to 86 per cent of their seeding in the ground. That’s up from the five year average of 77 per cent by this time.
The Northwest area, including the Lloydminster area, leads the numbers, with 87 per cent seeded. The rest of the list shows 86 per cent seeded in the southeast, 85 per cent seeded in the northeast and 77 per cent seeded in the east-central region of the province.
There was steady rain throughout the province this week, which did cause some issues, especially in the south. This could slow seeding in areas where soils are slow to drain but it is still very welcome to help crop and pasture growth.
It will also assist in crop germination and emergence in many parts of the province that were delayed due to dry conditions.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and three per cent very short.
Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture are rated as four per cent surplus, 66 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short and four per cent very short. Pasture conditions are rated as zero per cent excellent, 17 per cent good, 39 per cent fair, 34 per cent poor and 10 per cent very poor.
Earlier seeded crops have started to show good emergence, but cool night time temperatures have slowed growth in some areas. In general, crops are normal in development stages for this time of year, but some crops are behind due to an unusually cool spring and limited moisture.
Most of the crop damage this week was due to strong winds, light frosts, limited moisture and flea beetles.