Farmers in the Lloydminster region are among the furthest along in the province as Saskatchewan seeding reaches 97 per cent complete, up from 93 per cent last week.
The northwest region, which includes the border area, sits at 98 per cent alongside the southeast, just behind the west-central and southwest regions, which both hit 99 per cent. The east-central region remains the furthest back at 90 per cent.
Provincially, the 97 per cent figure sits just below the five- and 10-year average of 99 per cent. Rain and excess moisture slowed the final push in several areas.
Spring wheat and field peas are essentially done at 99 per cent each. Durum reached 98 per cent, barley 96 per cent and oats 93 per cent. Canola hit 97 per cent, lentils 97 per cent and chickpeas 89 per cent. Perennial forages remain the furthest from completion at 76 per cent.
Development
While seeding is nearly finished, crop development is running behind in a significant portion of the province.
Oilseeds are the most affected, with 46 per cent of the crop rated behind expected development for this time of year and only 53 per cent on pace. Spring cereals are 36 per cent behind and 63 per cent normal. Annual forages are 31 per cent behind, pulse crops 25 per cent behind and perennial forages 22 per cent behind. Fall cereals are the closest to on-track, with 82 per cent rated normal and 17 per cent behind.
Overall crop conditions are rated fair to good across most types, with a notable share in excellent condition.
Moisture and weather
Topsoil moisture held relatively stable but surplus levels increased in areas that received heavier rain. Cropland sits at 74 per cent adequate and 15 per cent surplus, with 10 per cent short. Hayland came in at 74 per cent adequate and 11 per cent surplus. Pasture moisture is 74 per cent adequate, with eight per cent surplus and 16 per cent short.
Rainfall varied sharply again this week. The RM of Lipton received 90 millimetres, the Langenburg region 78 millimetres and the Elfros area 74 millimetres. Some regions received nothing.
Crop damage came from flooding, gophers and wind, with minor flea beetle pressure also reported.
With seeding nearly done, producers are turning their attention to in-crop herbicide applications and scouting for insects and disease.
Producers with crop or livestock questions can call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
A full printable report can be found here: Crop Report | Crops Statistics | Government of Saskatchewan
Read more: Sask. seeding reaches 93%, still trails five-year average
