Released on April 22, 2010
The April 13 and 14 rain supplied many farmers and ranchers with soil moisture to help with spring seeding conditions, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report.
The west-central area averaged 27 mm, the southwest region averaged 18 mm and the northwest region averaged 39 mm of moisture. In the west-central region, the moisture was welcomed, but more is needed to help cope with the dry conditions experienced over the past couple of years. Crop reporters in the northeast are reporting fields are quite wet in some areas.
Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as eight per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and four per cent very short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as four per cent surplus, 72 per cent adequate, 20 per cent short and four per cent very short.
Producers in the southwest have begun seeding peas and mustard.
Crop reporters are indicating that, with a few exceptions, there is an adequate supply of crop input products. Warm spring temperatures have farmers picking rocks and applying fertilizer and herbicide. Livestock producers are busy with calving and fixing fences.
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For more information, contact:
Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592