Crop report May 23-May 29, 2017

For the Period May 23 to 29, 2017

Saskatchewan producers now have 81 per cent of the 2017 crop in the ground, right in line with the five-year (2012-2016) seeding average for this time of year of 82 per cent. Wet field conditions and frequent rainfall in many northern areas have delayed progress, and producers there will need a couple more weeks of warm and dry weather.

Seeding is most advanced in the southeast, where producers have 95 per cent of the crop in the ground. Ninety-four per cent is seeded in the southwest; 80 per cent in the west-central region; 79 per cent in the east-central region; 76 per cent in the northwest and 43 per cent in the northeast.

Ninety-six per cent of the lentils, 95 per cent of the field peas, 92 per cent of the durum, 91 per cent of the soybeans, 81 per cent of the spring wheat, 80 per cent of the flax, 78 per cent of the mustard, 76 per cent of the canola and 73 per cent of the barley have now been seeded.

A slowly moving weather system brought significant rainfall to many areas in the north last week, but missed most of the central and southern parts of the province. The Nipawin area received 65 mm of rain, while many parts of central and southern Saskatchewan received nothing. Fields in the north remain very wet, while many fields in other parts of the province are in need of rain to help crops germinate and emerge.

Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 11 per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent surplus, 70 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and two per cent very short.

Overall, emerged crops are in fair-to-excellent condition, but emergence has been delayed in many areas by the cool weather and dry field conditions. The majority of crop damage this week was caused by strong winds, frost, hail, localized flooding and lack of moisture. Flea beetles and cutworms have been reported in canola crops, and some fields have had to be re-seeded.

Producers are busy seeding, controlling weeds and picking rocks.

SaskPower reports that there have been 91 incidents in May of farm equipment coming in contact with power poles or lines, including 15 incidents between May 22 and 27 alone. Weekly and monthly totals are adjusted on an ongoing basis, as some incidents are not reported to SaskPower immediately after they occur. Producers are urged to be especially careful when using equipment around power lines. Safety information is available on the SaskPower Safety Webpage.