(file photo/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

2023 Saskatchewan Crop Report

Saskatchewan producers waiting for the soil to dry before the resumption of seeding

May 18, 2023 | 4:56 PM

Rain in southeast and eastern parts of Saskatchewan provided some moisture relief but halted seeding operations for a few days.

According to this week’s provincial crop report, pockets of rain moved through the province last Friday and replenished many dry areas in the southeast. The Bienfait region received the most with 78 mm. The Vanguard area received 24 mm and the Marengo area had 22 mm. Rain was reported in the northern region of the province, with roughly 13 mm in the North Battleford region.

Most parts of the province made substantial progress last week. Seeding is currently 38 per cent completed in the province, up 29 per cent from last week. This is behind the five-year average of 53 per cent.

Seeding is more advanced in the western half of the province. The northwest is currently furthest along with 55 per cent of crop in the ground. The west-central is at 54 per cent and the southwest 43 per cent. The southeast region has the least number of acres seeded in the province with 18 per cent of crop in so far.

Provincial topsoil moisture levels were reported at 69 per cent adequate and 24 per cent short. Pasture and hayland topsoil moisture follows a similar pattern with 63 per cent being adequate and 28 per cent short.

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The report also stated 54 per cent of field peas are planted while lentils are at 50 per cent and spring wheat at 43 per cent. The crops with the least amount of seeding progress are oats and canola at 19 per cent, flax at 10 per cent, and soybeans at seven per cent.

With the dry conditions, producers are reminded to stay vigilant about fire risk and to have fire prevention equipment nearby. With stress high this time of year producers are reminded to take safety precautions in everything they do.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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