Saskatchewan Crop Development Lagging

Jun 24, 2022

Crop development in Saskatchewan is lagging amid overly dry conditions in the western portions of the province and wet, cool weather in the east.

The latest weekly crop report on Thursday showed more than half of the oilseeds in the province (54%) are behind in terms of normal development, along with 43% of the spring cereals. More than one-third of the pulses are also considered to be behind, as well as 20% of the fall cereals.

Last year at this time, only 27% and 15% of the oilseeds and spring cereals were behind, respectively, along with 15% of the pulses and 20% of the fall cereals.

There was rain throughout all regions of Saskatchewan this past week, with some areas seeing higher amounts of localized precipitation. Growing conditions have been reported to be good in the southeast and east central regions amid adequate moisture and warm weather. In the western regions, rain was received, which was needed to keep crop development progressing and support pasture growth. Producers who did not receive rain are reporting their crops are “starting to go backward in development,” the report said

Cropland topsoil moisture was rated as 9% surplus, 75% adequate, 15% short and 1% very short as of Monday, versus 7% surplus, 65% adequate, 19% short and 9% very short a week earlier.

Southeast:

Throughout most of the southeast, growing conditions are very good as moisture is abundant and there have been some warm days over the past week. Due to a delay in seeding for many producers, some crops will be emerging just now, but they should catch up if conditions remain favourable.

Producers who have missed the last week of rain have noticed how quickly their fields have dried out.

Rainfall varied in the region with some of the lowest volumes received being less than five mm. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 13 per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate and eleven per cent short.

Regionally, 61 per cent of the fall cereals, 39 per cent of the spring cereals, 36 per cent of the oilseed crops and 51 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year. Twenty-eight per cent of the fall cereals, 56 per cent of the spring cereals, 63 per cent of the oilseed crops and 46 per cent of the pulse crops are behind in crop development.

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Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.