Saskatchewan farmers have planted more than 80 per cent of their crops

Jun 05, 2017

Seeding has progressed the most in the southeast

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

Producers in Saskatchewan have seeded 81 per cent of their total crops, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s latest Crop Report.

The number is only 1 per cent lower than the five-year average, but is 13 per cent lower than the progress measured at this time in 2016.

And Mother Nature continues to keep producers off of their fields.

“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,” the report says.

On a crop by crop basis, 96 per cent of Saskatchewan’s lentils have been planted, followed by 95 per cent of field peas, 92 per cent of durum and 91 per cent of soybeans.

81 per cent of spring wheat, 80 per cent of flax, 78 per cent of mustard, 76 per cent of canola and 73 per cent of barley is also planted.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Region	Areas	Highlights
Southeast	Carnduff, Estevan, Redvers, Moosomin, Kipling, Weyburn, Milestone, Moose Jaw, Regina, Qu’Apelle, Radville, Lake Alma	95 per cent of the region’s crops are seeded, up from the five-year average of 80 per cent. About 14mm of rain fell between May 23 and May 29. More rain is needed to help ensure good yields Crops emerged in fair-to-excellent condition, but cool conditions has delayed emergence in some areas. Crops were damaged by frost, hail and strong winds, causing some flax and canola re-seeding. Flea beetles and cutworms are damaging canola fields.
Southwest	Coronoach, Assiniboia, Ogema, Gravelbourg, Mossbank, Mortlach, Central Butte, Kyle, Swift Current, Shunavon, Ponteix, Consul, Maple Creek, Leader	94 per cent of the region’s crops are seeded, which is up from the five-year average of 88 per cent. Up to 9mm of rain fell between May 23 and May 29. Crops emerged are in fair-to-excellent condition, but cool weather has delayed some further emergence. Flea beetles, cutworms and wireworms have damaged some fields.
East-Central	Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville, Kelvington, Lumsden, Craik, Watrous, Clavet	79 per cent of the crop in the region are seeded, higher than the 74 per cent five-year average. 23mm of rain fell in Kamsack between May 23 and 29. Crops are beginning to emerge, but cooler temperatures have slowed emergence. Flea beetles and cutworms caused some canola re-seeding.
West-Central	Hanley, Outlook, Loreburn, Saskatoon, Arelee, Rosetown, Kindersley, Eston, Major, Kerrobert, Macklin, Wilkie, Biggar	80 per cent of crops in the region are seeded, slightly below the 83 per cent five-year average. 50mm of rain fell near Phippen between May 23 and May 29. Crops are slowly emerging. Fields are being sprayed for cutworms and flea beetles. Localized flooding has delayed herbicide applications. Producers continue to harvest their 2016 crop if conditions allow.
Northeast	Hudson Bay, Tisdale, Melfort, Carrot River, Humboldt, Kinistino, Cudworth, Aberdeen, Prince Albert, Choiceland, Paddockwood	43 per cent of the region’s crop is seeded, far below the five-year average of 80 per cent. Excessive moisture has left producers off their fields. A large number of acres could go unseeded. 65mm of rain fell near Nipawin between May 23 and May 29. Producers continue to harvest their 2016 crop if conditions allow. Some fields are being burned.
Northwest	Shellbrook, North Battleford, Big Riber, Hafford, Meadow Lake, Turtleford, Pierceland, Maidstone, Lloydminster	76 per cent of crops in the region are seeded, down from the five-year average of 85 per cent. 52mm of rain fell near Frenchman Butte between May 23 and 29. Frost, flooding, strong winds, cutworms and flea beetles have damaged fields. Some producers are burning residue and unsalvageable crops.

Video: A Tribute To Grandpa Ron

It's been a tough few weeks on the farm as we mourn the passing of Grandpa Ron. Grandpa was a legend, a mentor and a friend. He was still actively farming as he loved hauling grain and combining. I have many great memories of Grandpa on and off the farm and I will cherish those forever. He loved the farm and everything it has to offer. It's going to be different now, but Ronnie's legacy lives on through us and we want to make him proud.