Seeding progress has doubled in the province thanks to relatively good conditions. Seventy per cent of the crop is now in the ground, up from 35 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 55 per cent for this time of year.
The southeast region is the most advanced with 82 per cent of the crop seeded. Seventy-seven per cent is seeded in the northeast, 72 per cent in the southwest, 66 in the west-central region, 65 per cent in the northwest and 53 per cent in the east-central region. Rainfall was reported in some areas, ranging from trace amounts to 28 mm in the Biggar area. The majority of the province remains in need of rain to replenish the topsoil moisture as warm temperatures and strong winds continue to dry fields. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on crop land are rated as 47 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 14 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 31 per cent adequate, 46 per cent short and 23 per cent very short.
Crops are slowly emerging but are mostly in good condition despite damage from strong winds and lack of moisture. The majority are either at or behind normal developmental stages for this time of year. Pastures and hay land remain dry and growth has been slow. Pasture conditions are rated as 22 per cent good, 40 per cent fair, 28 per cent poor and 10 per cent very poor. SaskPower reports 34 cases of farm machinery contacting electrical equipment in the last week, bringing the total in May to 119. SaskPower reminds producers that most farm-related incidents happen during the spring. Please check for overhead power lines and plan ahead when moving equipment. More safety information is available at www.saskpower.com/safety. A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online at http://publications.gov.sk.ca/redirect.cfm?p=90068&i=106916. Follow the 2018 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
