Seeding is nearly complete in Saskatchewan, but rainfall over the past week continued to create issues for producers in some parts of the province.
According to the provincial crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture, which covered the week ending on Monday, seeding is 98 per cent complete in the province, though rain slowed down the tail end of seeding in the northeast and east-central regions.
“Some producers have indicated their acres may not be able to be seeded this year due to the excess moisture in some areas,” the report read.
“Regions that have received increased precipitation have noted that the heavy rainfall has caused water to collect in lower lying areas with crop flooding occurring.”
According to the report, 81 millimetres of rain fell in the Lake Lenore area over the past week. The Arborfield area was close behind with 78mm, while the Duck Lake region got 76mm of rain.
In cropland, topsoil moisture levels were rated at eight per cent surplus, 90 per cent adequate and two per cent short. For hayland, levels sat at five per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate and six per cent short. In pastures, topsoil moisture was rated as five per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and eight per cent short.
“The majority of crops across the province are reported in good to excellent condition given the moisture received,” the report noted. “This has provided a great start for crops as compared to previous years.”
But while many crops are at the normal stage of development, the report noted that cooler temperatures and rainfall led to an increase in the number of crops that are behind, with spring wheat and oilseeds the most affected.
Along with issues due to excess moisture, some crop damage over the past week was caused by frost and wind, along with gophers, flea beetles and grasshoppers.
“Damage overall was reported as minor except for a few areas of the province reporting increased crop damage from wind and excessive moisture,” the ministry noted.
“In addition to damage caused by crop flooding in low lying areas from excessive moisture, producers also note that crops are showing signs of stress due to the excess moisture in some regions of the province.”
While seeding is wrapping up, producers are applying herbicides and picking rocks, while keeping a close eye on insect activity.
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