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 19 to 25, 2020

Farmers have made significant progress seeding this week, and some are close to finishing. Ninety-two per cent of the crop is seeded, which is ahead of the five-year average of 85 per cent (2015-2019) for this time of year. Earlier seeded crops are germinating evenly and crop conditions throughout most of the region are looking good.

Fields and pastures in the region were quite dry, and the rainfall received in most areas of the region this week was welcome. There were very strong winds in the western part of the region which caused damage to some properties, as well as delayed spraying for many. The Kyle area received the most rain with 57 mm. The Webb area received 43 mm, the Admiral and Tyner areas 41 mm, the Hazlet area 28 mm, the Rockglen area 18 mm, the Consul area 13 mm and the Gravelbourg area four mm.

Rain throughout the region this week has improved the topsoil moisture conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, 10 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and one per cent very short. Pasture conditions are rated as eight per cent excellent, 53 per cent good, 33 per cent fair and six per cent poor.

Overall, crop development is normal for this time of year. Crops are germinating well, but there have been reports that windy and dry conditions have negatively affected canola germination. Most of the crop damage this week was caused by strong winds and light frosts.

Farmers have been busy seeding and spraying in-crop herbicides.