Warm, dry weather recently helped to advance seeding operations, but rain in the forecast is expected to slow things down now.
Saskatchewan’s Cropping Management Specialist Shannon Friesen says 60% of the crop is now in the ground as compared to 30% last week:
"Seeding is most advanced in the southeast at 80% complete, 76% is done in the southwest; 59% in the west-central region; 53% is in the ground in the east-central region; 43% in the northwest; and 25% in the northeast," she said.
Overall, the emerged crops are in good condition, although there has been some damage caused by strong winds, localized flooding and lack of moisture.
Friesen says about 5% of the Provincial crop will not get seeded due to wet conditions this year, while some alfalfa and canola fields may need to be re-seeded:
"A lot of the crops are actually still sitting in the ground and they haven't germinated or emerged or they've emerged rather patchy," Friesen added. "As well they did receive a hard frost last Thursday, so there is some severe damage to alfalfa plants, winter cereal and of course some of the canola fields."
Source : Discoverestevan