Released on April 15, 2008
Seeding has started in the southwestern areas of the province, according to Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture's weekly crop report.
Peas and spring cereals were reported to have been seeded during the past week. In comparison, most northern and central areas are one to three weeks away from seeding.
Using a diagonal line through the grainbelt area from northwest to southeast as a reference, areas below the line are generally in a short to very short topsoil moisture situation. Areas above the line are generally in an adequate to surplus topsoil moisture situation. Overall, 50 per cent of the crop land in the province has adequate topsoil moisture, 39 per cent has short or very short topsoil moisture and the remainder is in a surplus condition.
Less than one-half of one per cent of the 2007 crop was left out over the winter. It's not expected that any of that crop will be combined this spring.
Livestock feed grain and forage supplies are generally reported to be in a carry-over position. This could change, however, depending on how long it will be before stock can be put out to spring pasture without supplemental feeding.
Shortages of a number of crop inputs have been reported, including chemicals, innoculant, seed and fertilizer. Farmers may have to change seeding plans if they are unable to secure the input supplies they require.
Farmers are busy fixing fences, readying machinery, picking rocks, applying chemicals and fertilizer and cleaning grain.
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For more information, contact:
Terry Bedard
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956