Seeding ‘virtually complete,’ but wet weather causes issues for Sask. farmers

Seeding is “virtually complete” across Saskatchewan, but excess moisture after the wet spring is causing issues for some producers.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s weekly crop report, which covered the week ending on Monday, only one per cent of the province’s acres remain unseeded, largely due to frequent rainfall and excess water in and on the ground. The high moisture levels and the cool start to summer are starting to impede overall crop development, the ministry noted.

“Fall cereals, spring wheat and oilseeds are behind normal development as compared to previous weeks. Warmer temperatures would be appreciated by producers to support crop advancement,” the report read.

The past week saw plenty of rainfall across Saskatchewan, with the Rosthern area topping the list with 95 millimetres. Close behind were Nipawin, with 75mm, and Biggar with 72mm.

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The rain is a mixed blessing in different parts of the province.

“Although the rain is supporting crop growth in some regions of the province, it is causing crop stress and disease in others that received excess moisture,” the report read.

In cropland, topsoil moisture levels were rated at nine per cent surplus, 88 per cent adequate and three per cent short. In pastures, moisture levels came in at five per cent surplus, 86 per cent adequate and nine per cent short. Hayland was similar, with topsoil moisture ratred at six per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and seven per cent short.

Producers in some areas are dealing with flooding, the report added.

“Three per cent of seeded land is flooded and unlikely to produce a crop. One per cent of forage crops have excess moisture and are unlikely to produce a crop and one per cent of pastureland is not accessible or not usable,” the ministry noted.

“For areas experiencing reduced moisture, six per cent of the forage crops may have yields significantly affected along with nine per cent expressing that the carrying capacity of pastures may be reduced.”

In addition to water issues, minor crop damage was reported due to frost over the past week. Producers in some areas are having problems with gophers, flea beetles and grasshoppers, with damage in some cases so severe that re-seeding was required.

“For many producers, this is still a stressful time of year and they are encouraged to take safety precautions in all the work they do,” the report added. “The Farm Stress Line can help by providing support for producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.”

The full version of the crop report can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.

Highway hay salvage and ditch mowing begins

The province reminded producers on Thursday about an important date for the annual highway hay salvage and ditch mowing program.

Landowners or lessees have the first chance to cut or bale hay from highway ditches up to and including July 8. After that, anyone can cut or bale the material without permission from nearby landowners as long as mowing or baling is not already underway in the area.

“The annual hay salvage and mowing program provides many benefits to area landowners, producers and motorists,” Highways Minister Lori Carr said in a statement.

The provincial mowing program will cover around 44,500 hectares in 2024.

According to the ministry, hay salvage and mowing along highways improves snow storage in ditches to reduce snowdrifts on roads, reduces the chances for noxious weeds to grow, improves visibility for drivers and, of course, gives farmers and ranchers a chance to salvage feed for their animals.

More information is available on the government’s website.