Seeding is virtually complete in Saskatchewan, with 99 per cent of the crop now planted. Strong winds have continued throughout the province this week and the drying conditions have some producers concerned about moisture conditions.
The rain received in most areas was welcome, but more is needed in some areas. While winds delayed spraying for many, producers made progress spraying for weeds and insects when it was calm and as crop stages allowed.
Most regions of the province received rainfall this week. Many producers, especially in the southern and central regions, would welcome more rain. However, there were also reports of localized flooding in areas that received a significant amount of rain in a short time.
Areas around Humboldt received the highest amount of rain this week with 71 mm. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions remain at approximately the same level as the previous week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 70 per cent adequate, 25 per cent short and three per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 58 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and eight per cent very short.
Provincially, 79 per cent of fall cereals, 70 per cent of spring cereals, 63 per cent of oilseed crops and 80 per cent of pulse crops are at normal development for this time of year.
The majority of crop conditions across the province range from fair to good. With the recent rains, farmers are hopeful that conditions will improve. Generally, emergence of earlier-seeded crops is good, but lack of moisture, wind and reduced germination of canola has resulted in spotty emergence in some fields.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to strong winds, cutworms and flea beetles. Certain parts of the province that did not receive much rain last week reported damage from dry soil conditions. Cold temperatures throughout the province also resulted in damage from frost and hail in some areas.
Reseeding from dry conditions and insect damage, specifically in canola fields, has been reported and some farmers are seeding green feed.
A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/crop-report.
Follow the 2020 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
