Cool spring weather and a slow start to the season continue to shape early crop conditions on both sides of the provincial border near Lloydminster.
Alberta side
On the Alberta side, seeding in northern regions west of Lloydminster was delayed by lingering snow and cool April temperatures. Early progress was minimal, with fields slow to dry, but activity has picked up through mid-May. Even so, seeding remains behind average in northern areas, where progress is still under 10 per cent in some regions.
Moisture conditions in Alberta are generally favourable heading into the growing season, supported by spring runoff and precipitation. However, uneven field conditions and wet spots continue to slow operations in parts of the northwest.
Saskatchewan side
East of Lloydminster in northwest Saskatchewan, including the Glaslyn, Maidstone, Meadow Lake, Pierceland and St. Walburg areas, producers are also working through challenging conditions.
For the period of May 12-18, seeding in the region is sitting at about 16 per cent complete, including roughly 15 per cent in Census Division 17. That’s up from the previous week, but still well behind the five-year average of more than 60 per cent.
Strong winds and saturated fields from recent rainfall have slowed progress, although producers have been able to make gains where conditions allowed.
Cereal and pulse crop seeding is leading the way, with some producers beginning to move into oilseed crops as field conditions improve.
Across Saskatchewan overall, seeding remains behind normal pace despite recent progress. Moisture levels are generally adequate to surplus, though dry and windy conditions in some areas are beginning to draw down reserves.
Overall picture
Producers around Lloydminster are steadily advancing seeding after a delayed start, with good moisture reserves in place. However, wet fields in Alberta and saturated conditions in northwest Saskatchewan continue to keep the region behind its typical spring pace.
