Seeding has essentially wrapped up in the province, Saskatchewan Agriculture reported for the week of June 12. Producers have 99 per cent of the crop in the ground, ahead of the five-year (2012-2016) seeding average of 97 per cent for this time of year. This is also ahead of the 10-year average of 95 per cent. But in the last two years producers had 100 per cent of crops seeded. A year ago, producers had seeded 99.5 per cent of the 2016 crop. Crops were advancing well and much needed rain was received across the province.
The northwest region is the furthest behind with 97 per cent seeded. Across the province, there are still a few fields of oats and barley, as well as some greenfeed and silage, left to be seeded.
The much-needed rainfall received this week will help replenish topsoil moisture and allow crops to advance. While much of the north has surplus topsoil moisture at this time, many areas in the south were relieved to see rain as crops, hay land and pastures were in need of significant moisture. Prior to the recent rainfall, topsoil moisture conditions were deteriorating in southern and central areas of the province.
Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is currently rated as seven per cent surplus, 52 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 43 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 12 per cent very short. Overall crop development has improved with the warm and wet weather. Fall cereals are at 60 per cent normal development with 22 per cent ahead and 18 per cent behind. Spring cereals are at 62 per cent normal development with only five per cent ahead and a significant portion, 33 per cent, behind development. Oilseeds are at 53 per cent normal development, while only three per cent is ahead and 44 per cent is behind. Pulse crops are at 70 per cent normal development, five per cent ahead and 25 per cent behind development for this time of year. The majority of crops are in fair-to excellent condition.
