Released on May 29, 2014
Great strides were made this week as producers now have 64 per cent of the crop seeded according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report. This is up from 22 per cent last week. The five-year (2009-2013) seeding average for this time of year is also 64 per cent. Warm and dry weather allowed most producers to return to the field after rain delays last week.The southwestern region continues to lead seeding progress for the province as producers now have 80 per cent of the crop in the ground. The west-central region has 68 per cent seeded; the northwest 60 per cent; the northeast 59 per cent; the southeast 58 per cent; and the east-central region 52 per cent.
Varying amounts of rainfall were received this week, ranging from trace amounts to more than three inches in some northwestern areas. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 16 per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate and three per cent short. Hay land and pasture moisture conditions are rated as 12 per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate and six per cent short.
Livestock water availability is adequate and pasture conditions are rated as 13 per cent excellent, 57 per cent good, 24 per cent fair and six per cent poor. Although many emerged crops are either at or behind their normal development stages for this time of year, the majority are in good condition. Most crop damage this week was caused by localized flooding, hail and wind.
Farmers are busy seeding, controlling weeds and moving cattle to pasture.
Follow the 2014 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
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For more information, contact:
Shannon Friesen
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592
Email: shannon.friesen@gov.sk.ca