Seeding 77 per cent complete, but still well behind five-year average

Seeding in Saskatchewan is more than three-quarters complete, but wet weather this spring has left producers well behind the five-year average.

According to the crop report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, which covered the week ending on Monday, 77 per cent of the 2024 crop is in the ground. That’s behind the five-year average of 91 per cent, but the report indicated that many producers expect to finish their seeding operations this week if the weather co-operates.

Seeding is furthest along in the southeast, where 84 per cent of the crop is in the ground. The northeast region is furthest behind, with seeding just 68 per cent complete.

Scattered showers over the past week improved topsoil conditions around the province, with moisture levels showing improvements over previous years when farmers were stricken by drought in many areas. The Sonningdale area saw 45 millimetres of rain over the week covered by the report, while 36 mm fell around the Battlefords and Raddison.

Topsoil moisture levels in cropland were rated as three per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate and eight per cent short. In hayland, moisture levels were rate as two per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate and 13 per cent short. In pastures, moisture was rated as two per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, 13 per cent short and two per cent very short.

“Producers continue to report good crop emergence across the province,” the report read. “Of the crops that have emerged, the majority are reported in excellent to good condition.”

Damage to crops over the past week was largely minor, the crop report stated, with some farmers reporting issues with light frost or excessive water. Insect issues were also reported in some areas.

“Flea beetle and cutworm activity has been noted, with some producers taking control measures,” the report noted. “Some regions have observed grasshoppers hatching but no current reports of crop damage.”

In addition to wrapping up seeding operations, producers in Saskatchewan are also busy moving their cattle to pasture, spraying, picking rocks and land rolling.