WINNIPEG — Producers in Saskatchewan were able to get about 95 percent of the crop seeded as of June 16, despite seeing another week of cool and rainy weather, the latest Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture crop report said.
That pace is up from last week when 93 percent of the crop was seeded, and ahead of the five-year average of 90 percent seeded for this time of year. Last year, 98 percent of the crop was in the ground at this time.
Planting was nearly finished in the southwestern, west-central and northwestern regions, while the northeastern region was 97 percent seeded. The east-central region was 93 per cent complete, with 91 percent of the crop planted in the southeastern region.
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The majority of cereals, pulses and oilseeds made it into the ground, with greenfeed the only crop left to be seeded for the most part, the report said.
A large portion of the province received rain during the week ended June 16, with many areas reporting well over two inches. Provincially, top soil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 18 percent surplus, 78 percent adequate and four percent short.
Hayland and pasture moisture conditions were 10 percent surplus, 85 percent adequate, four percent short and one percent very short.
The crops that have been planted have seen some slow development due to cold weather in many parts of the province. Fall cereals were mostly at normal development, though 43 percent of the crops were falling behind.
About 53 percent of spring cereals, 56 percent of oilseeds and 47 percent of pulse crops were also behind normal development for this time of year.
Crop damage during the week was linked to localized flooding, frost and hail. There was also some insect damage from flea beetles, cutworms and wireworms. However, overall most crops were in fair to excellent condition, the report said.
