Winnipeg (CNS Canada) – Following a cool and late spring seeding was delayed in Saskatchewan, but southern parts of the province were able to get out into the fields over the past week, according to the weekly crop report from Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, released May 3.
Less than one per cent of the provincial crop was seeded according to the report; this is behind the five-year average of one per cent.
Fields conditions were variable across the province. In the southern portion, fields were dry while the northern and eastern regions have reported higher field moisture conditions. Strong winds over the past week helped to dry the fields out.
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Soil temperatures were slow to warm up and there are still snow and ice in some sloughs and ditches in the north being reported.
Winter wheat conditions are continuing to be monitored, as it too early yet to make an accurate assessment.
It’s about time for the first #plant18 photo. Invigor canola going in. @CarefootScott @westernproducer #SmartFarmingIs pic.twitter.com/K3MScXPNDn
— Katie Carefoot (@pintsizedagro) May 1, 2018
Due to last year’s low yielding hay crop and a long, cold winter, many livestock producers in the province have been using alternative feed sources and feed grains, while waiting for the pastures to grow.
On top of the feed issues, livestock producers are also facing watering issues for the upcoming graze season. Spring runoff in the south was below normal in many areas, which has some livestock producers having to rethink how they will be able to sustain water supplies throughout the summer.
Some rain did fall throughout the past week. The southern and eastern regions recorded rains ranging from trace amounts to 24 millimetres in the Big Beaver area in south central Saskatchewan.
