Seeding passes halfway mark in Saskatchewan: Crop Report

Seeding is more than halfway complete in the province, according to the weekly Crop Report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

According to the latest report, which covered the week ending on Monday, 56 per cent of the 2024 crop is in the ground. Producers made massive progress from last week, when seeding was just 32 per cent complete, but the work is still well behind the five-year average of 76 per cent.

Seeding is furthest along in the southwest, northwest and northeast parts of the province.

“Early seeded crops are beginning to emerge throughout the province with good emergence reported overall,” the report read.

“Crop development is in the normally expected range for this time of year but seeding delays due to rainfall and cooler temperatures have slowed development in some regions of the province.”

Topsoil moisture conditions are improving across much of Saskatchewan thanks to that rainfall over the past week. The Mossbank area recorded the most precipitation, with 58 millimetres of rain falling.

But while rain is a much-needed boon in some areas, it is slowing things down in other parts of the province.

“Although the rain has helped replenish topsoil moisture levels and improve growing conditions, many producers are hopeful for a pause in rainfall to allow seeding progress to continue,” the report stated.

Across Saskatchewan, cropland topsoil moisture levels were rated at six per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate and five per cent short. For hayland, moisture was rated as three per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and one per cent very short.

In pastures, ground moisture levels came in at three per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and two per cent very short. Pasture conditions were rated as 12 per cent excellent, 55 per cent good, 26 per cent fair, six per cent poor and one per cent very poor.

Farmers are keeping a close eye out for crop damage as plants emerge. The report indicated that most of the damage over the past week was caused by frost, flooding, wind and hail.

“Although not widespread, some producers have reported crop damage due to cutworms, wireworms and flea beetles,” the report added.

“As the weather allows, producers will be busy continuing with seeding operations, herbicide applications, moving cattle to pasture and brandings.”

The full report can be found on the provincial government’s website.