Seeding operations nearing completion in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan farmers are nearing the finish line when it comes to seeding.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s weekly crop report, 96 per cent of the crop is in the ground in the province, up from 89 per cent last week and just behind the five-year average of 97 per cent for this time of year.

The report said producers in the west-central region are furthest ahead, with seeding 99 per cent done. Seeding in the northeast and northwest regions is 98 per cent complete, with the southwest (96 per cent), east-central (94 per cent) and southeast (94 per cent) areas also nearing completion.

In some cases, however, Mother Nature got in the way.

“Rain was welcomed by many to improve moisture conditions, but also caused delays for those trying to finish seeding,” the report said. “There were many reports of rain in the form of heavy storms, which resulted in localized flooding in some areas. There have also been reports of heavy winds and hail causing damage to crops and property in some areas.”

In addition, heat and drought also caused issues for some crops, as did grasshoppers, flea beetles and gophers.

After the rain that hit areas of the province, cropland topsoil moisture now is rated as seven per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, 14 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture conditions are considered five per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and three per cent very short.