Southwestern Saskatchewan

Crop District 3ASW – Coronach, Assiniboia and Ogema areas; Crop District 3AN – Gravelbourg, Mossbank, Mortlach and Central Butte areas;
Crop District 3B – Kyle, Swift Current , Shaunavon and Ponteix areas;
Crop District 4 – Consul, Maple Creek and Leader areas 

For the Period May 15 to 21, 2018

Seventy-two per cent of the crop is now seeded in the region, up from 45 per cent last week and just slightly ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 70 per cent for this time of year. While some producers have finished seeding, many more expect to be done in the coming weeks.

Scattered showers brought varying amounts of rainfall to the region with the Mortlach area reporting the most (17 mm). The Eyebrow and Webb areas reported 1 mm, the Shaunavon and Vanguard areas 15 mm, the Kyle area 3 mm, the Consul area 6 mm and the Ponteix area two mm. The Rockglen area has received the most precipitation (45 mm) in the region since April 1.

Topsoil moisture conditions continue to rapidly deteriorate in the region from strong winds and lack of moisture. Significant rain is needed to help crops germinate and emerge and to develop pastures and hay land. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 49 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and 21 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 33 per cent adequate, 46 per cent short and 21 per cent very short.

Most emerged crops in the area are in good condition, although emergence and germination has been slow and patchy. The majority of crops are either at or behind normal developmental stages for this time of year and will need rain to fully develop. Crop damage this past week was due to strong winds and lack of moisture.

Pastures and hay land in the region have limited growth and rainfall would be beneficial.

Pasture conditions are rated as 29 per cent good, 40 per cent fair, 29 per cent poor and two per cent very poor. 

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