Winnipeg, June 4 – Seeding progress is advancing at a rapid pace in Saskatchewan, with farmers nearing completion.
About 97 percent of crops were in the ground as of June 1, up from 87 percent the week prior, according to the latest crop report from the Saskatchewan Agriculture.
The five-year average for this time of year is 73 percent seeded.
In 2014, 78 percent of the crop was planted.
The west-central region was the most advanced at 99 percent seeded, followed by 89 percent in the southwest, 97 percent in the southeast, northwest, and northeast, and 94 percent in the east-central region.
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There was some heavy frost late in the week, which damaged crops and sparked re-seeding in some areas, the report said. There are also worries about dry conditions harming crop germination.
Flea beetles and cutworms damaged some canola. But, overall most crops are in generally good condition.
Canola crops are rated as 44 percent good to excellent, spring wheat 65 percent good to excellent, and peas at 69 percent good to excellent.
Fall rye was in the worst condition, at 29 percent good to excellent, 29 percent fair, 26 percent poor and 16 percent very poor.
Some areas of the province received rain during the reporting period, ranging from small amounts to more than an inch in parts of the southwest and northwest. More precipitation is needed in much of the province to help recharge topsoil.
Cropland topsoil moisture conditions are rated as three percent surplus, 51 percent adequate, 37 percent short and nine percent very short.
Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as three percent surplus, 41 percent adequate, 40 percent short and 16 percent very short.
Farmers are focusing on the last bit of seeding, as well as controlling pests that could damage their crops.
Provincial crop conditions as of June 1, 2015. Source: Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
Excellent Good Fair Poor V. Poor
Winter Wheat 13% 59% 20% 5% 3%
Fall Rye 3% 26% 29% 26% 16%
Spring Wheat 8% 57% 29% 5% 1%
Durum 5% 49% 37% 9% 0%
Oats 7% 65% 23% 2% 3%
Barley 6% 60% 29% 4% 1%
Canaryseed 6% 36% 49% 7% 2%
Flax 3% 56% 30% 8% 3%
Canola 3% 41% 34% 16% 6%
Mustard 1% 49% 29% 9% 12%
Soybeans 2% 67% 29% 1% 1%
Peas 6% 63% 26% 4% 1%
Lentils 6% 50% 37% 5% 2%
Chickpeas 0% 34% 66% 0% 0%
