With seeding underway in Saskatchewan, the first crop report of the year is out. Seven percent of the 2020 crop is now in the ground which is just below the five year average of nine percent for this time of year.
A slow start to spring has delayed field operations in areas of the province, but most producers have indicated they will be out in the field within the next few weeks as fields dry up and soil temperatures rise.
Provincial crop extension specialist Sara Tetland says ” The southeast region of the province is the most advanced with 10 per cent of the crop in the ground.
There is nine per cent seeded in the southwest, seven per cent seeded in the west-central, two per cent seeded in the east-central and northwest regions and less than one per cent seeded in the northeast.”
She adds “rainfall was reported this past week throughout the province, particularly in the southeast and east-central regions. The Indian Head area received the highest amount at 37 mm.”
Eleven per cent of field peas, 10 per cent of chickpeas and durum, nine per cent of lentils and oats, four per cent of spring wheat and two per cent of canola have been seeded to date.
Winter wheat assessments are continuing as fields green up and temperatures rise.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 77 per cent adequate, 19 per cent short and two per cent very short.
