Crop report for the period May 18 to May 24, 2021

Even with the prolonged rain experienced across the province over the week, producers were still able to seed throughout all regions.  Eighty-six per cent of the crop is now seeded in Saskatchewan, which is ahead of the five-year average (2016-2020) of 77 per cent for this time of year.  Recent rains will greatly improve crop germination and emergence in many parts of the province that were delayed due to dry conditions.

The southwest region is the farthest along with 91 per cent of the crop seeded.  Eighty-nine per cent has been seeded in the west-central, 87 per cent seeded in the northwest, 86 per cent seeded in the southeast, 85 per cent seeded in the northeast and lastly, 77 per cent seeded in the east-central region of the province.

Steady rain was experienced this week across the province, especially in the south, which saw some very high rainfalls.  The Limerick area received the most with 116 mm.  The Indian Head area received 108 mm and the Odessa area received 100 mm.  The rain will delay seeding for some producers where soils are slow to drain but it is still very welcome to help crop and pasture growth.

Cool, cloudy days and rain showers have helped improve moisture conditions in many parts of the province.  Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and three per cent very short.  Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 66 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short and four per cent very short.  Pasture conditions are rated as zero per cent excellent, 17 per cent good, 39 per cent fair, 34 per cent poor and 10 per cent very poor.

Earlier seeded crops have started to show good emergence, but cool night time temperatures have slowed growth in some areas.  In general, crops are normal in development stages for this time of year, but some crops are behind due to an unusually cool spring and limited moisture.  Most of the crop damage this week was due to strong winds, light frosts, limited moisture and flea beetles.

Producers have been busy seeding, moving livestock to pasture, calving and spraying pre-and post-emergent herbicides now that weeds are starting to emerge.

A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/crop-report. 

Follow the 2021 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.