Southeastern Saskatchewan

Crop District 1 -Carnduff, Estevan, Redvers, Moosomin and Kipling areas;
Crop District 2 – Weyburn, Milestone, Moose Jaw, Regina and Qu’Appelle areas;
Crop District 3ASE – Radville and Lake Alma areas

For the Period May 15 to 21, 2018

Significant progress was made in the region as 82 per cent of the crop is now seeded, up from 49 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 59 per cent for this time of year. Many producers have wrapped up seeding operations and many more expect to finish up in the coming week.

Very little rainfall was reported in the region with most areas reporting only trace amounts. The Kipling and Indian Head areas reported 8 mm, the Grenfell area 11 mm, the Glenavon area two mm, the Wilcox area 3 mm and the Caron area 13 mm. The Regina area has received the most precipitation (25 mm) in the region since April 1.

With the lack of rain, strong winds and warm temperatures, topsoil moisture conditions continue to deteriorate. Significant rainfall will be needed in the coming weeks for crops to emerge and for hay crops to establish. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 19 per cent adequate, 55 per cent short and 26 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 13 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 48 per cent very short.

Crop emergence has been slow and patchy due to the dry conditions. The majority of crops are either at or behind their normal developmental stages for this time of year. Crop damage this past week was caused by strong winds, warm temperatures and lack of moisture. There were reports of frost as well as hail but little damage is expected as most crops have not yet emerged. Flea beetles are out in some canola fields.    

Rainfall would be beneficial to pastures and hay land in the region as growth has been limited. Pasture conditions are rated as five per cent good, 33 per cent fair, 35 per cent poor and 27 per cent very poor. 

Farmers are busy seeding, rolling pulse crops, picking rocks and controlling weeds if necessary.