Seeding remains ahead of schedule and crops are developing at their normal stages for this time of year, says the weekly provincial crop report.
Progress is now 88% complete across the province, ahead of the five-year average of 82% and the ten-year average of 85%. The southwest is almost done at 95%, followed closely by the west-central region at 94%, the northwest at 93%, and the northeast at 92%. Producers in the east-central and southeast regions are the furthest behind with the east-central at 81% complete and the southeast at 80% as the rainfall, while variable around the province, fell mostly in the southeast region.
The Weyburn area recorded 66 millimetres (mm) of rain this past week, while the Griffin and Indian Head areas got 20 mm, and the Browning area 18 mm.
The report says warm and windy conditions dropped topsoil moisture levels slightly. Provincially, crop land topsoil moisture is 4% surplus, 65% adequate and 27% short. Hay land moisture is 2% surplus, 59% adequate and 31% short. Moisture for pasture land is 1% surplus, 56% adequate, 33% short and 2% very short.
Kim Stonehouse, a Crops Extension Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture from Tisdale, noted all regions experienced a little drop off in topsoil moisture with the west-central and northeast regions taking "the biggest hit".
"The northeast, for example, has dropped to about 31% adequate while 59% of their topsoil moisture is short. West-central is about half-and-half – half is adequate and half is short, but like I said all regions dropped back a little bit this week." Stonehouse added.
Crop development is normal overall, according to most producers who reported on conditions. Fall cereals are currently rated at 89% normal development for this time of year with 7% ahead and 4% behind normal. Spring cereals are estimated to be 73% normal with 13% ahead and 14% behind. Pulse crops are rated at 76% normal development with 10% ahead and 14% behind. Oilseeds are at 73% normal with 7% ahead and 20% behind normal. Perennial forage is 79% normal with 6% ahead and 15% behind. Annual forage is indicated at 77% normal crop development while 10% is ahead and 13% is behind.
"There are some regions such as the northeast and northwest that are reporting that some crops are ahead of normal and this is likely due to a couple of things; number one, the uninterrupted or very limited interrupted seeding process as well as dry conditions which will be pushing the crop to develop much quicker than it normally would." said Stonehouse.
Seeding of field peas and lentils are almost done at 98% and 95% respectively; chickpeas are at 91% seeded, while soybeans are only at 48%. Triticale is the furthest ahead among cereal crops at 94%, durum and spring wheat are both 93%, barley 89%, oats 79%, and canary seed is at 75%. For oilseeds, mustard is 92% seeded followed by canola at 83% and flax at 73%. Perennial forages are at 55% complete.
The report noted minor crop damage due to heat, wind and dry conditions, as well as flooding and frost. Flea beetle, wireworm and cutworm activity has been noted, with some producers taking control measures. Some regions have observed grasshoppers hatching but current reports of crop damage are few, the report adds.
Farmers anticipate wrapping up seeding within the next week with weather permitting, and continue to spray and land rolling. Livestock producers are also moving cattle to pasture.
Stonehouse also reminds producers to be careful working with equipment during the warmer days and to have a fire extinguisher or water truck close by in the event a fire breaks out.
The Farm Stress Line is also available to farmers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.
The crop report by region can be found in the link below.