Seeding is underway for most producers in the province. Eleven per cent of the 2017 crop is now seeded, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture in its Crop Report for the week of May 2-8. The five-year seeding average for 2012-2016 for this time of year is 16 per cent. The ten-year average was 15 per cent. One year ago, an extended period of favourable weather allowed producers to seed 35 per cent of the 2016 crop. Some areas received significant rain, alleviating concerns of dry topsoil moisture conditions. Seeding progress of all crops in Saskatchewan over the past five years has been variable. This year, as of May 8, there has been 11 per cent of all crops seeded. Last year, 35 per cent of all crops were seeded by May 9, while 34 per cent were seeded by May 11, 2015. Three years ago, seeding was slow with only seven per cent in the ground by May 12, and only one per cent of the crops were seeded by May 6, 2013. Also, only five per cent was seeded by May 7, 2012.
Seeding is most advanced in the southeast, where producers have 30 per cent of the crop in the ground. Eighteen per cent is seeded in the southwest; three per cent in the west-central region; two per cent in the northwestern and east-central regions and one per cent in the northeast. Although recent warm weather has allowed producers to complete field work such as seeding, herbicide application and harvest, significant rainfall in many regions earlier this week will delay progress. The Outlook area reported receiving 40 mm of rain, the greatest amount of precipitation in the province. Fields and roads across much of the province remain wet and are unable to support equipment. Warm and dry weather will be needed to help fields dry before field work can continue.
Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 26 per cent surplus, 71 per cent adequate and three per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 14 per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate and six per cent short. Producers are busy seeding, controlling weeds, moving cattle and trying to wrap up last year’s harvest.
