Spring seeding is moving at a snail’s pace in Saskatchewan, due to rain.
But Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Matt Struthers says some producers were able to get some planting done over the past week.
According to the weekly crop report released today (Thu), 33 percent of the spring crop is in the ground, province-wide. However, that is behind the 5-year average for this time of year of 53 percent.
Spring seeding in the east central region of Saskatchewan, sits at only 13 percent complete.
“We really need some warm, sunny days to dry that soil out so we can get more seed in the ground.” Struthers said.
A weather system brought a significant amount of rain to some areas this past week. The Estevan area reported more than 120 mm over two days, the Weyburn area 92 mm, the Big Beaver area 87 mm, the Moosomin area 75 mm and the Eyebrow area 35 mm. Many parts of the southwest, west central and northwest did not receive significant amounts rainfall.
Seeding in some regions is further advanced than others.
60 percent of the crop has been seeded in the southwest region, 53 percent in the west central, 35 percent in the northwest, 17 percent in the southeast, and 8 percent in the northeast.
A number of different types of crops went into the ground.
59 percent of lentils, 57 percent of field peas, 51 percent of durum, 29 percent of spring wheat and 27 percent of barley have been seeded to date. Struthers notes barley, peas and lentils have begun sprouting throughout the southwest and west central regions.
He also says producers who can, are seeding as fast as possible between rains to avoid any further delays.
Regarding cropland topsoil moisture, 12 percent is rated as surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 20 per cent short and 12 per cent very short. Hay and pastureland topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and 16 per cent very short.
The crop report also notes pasturelands that have received moisture all spring are beginning to see good recovery from the 2021 drought and their carrying capacity of cattle is increasing.