Released on May 5, 2011
Just under one per cent of the 2011 crop has been seeded, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report.
Lentils, field peas and cereals are being seeded in a few areas; however, the majority of Saskatchewan producers got a late start to field work due to excess moisture. Last week, an unusually late snow storm dropped significant amounts of precipitation on parts of southeastern and east-central Saskatchewan.
Areas in the southwest, west-central and northwest have dried up enough for producers to start field work. Many producers in these regions are expecting to start seeding operations within the week.
The majority of crop reporters are indicating that fields are still very wet, and many recorded precipitation last week. Across the province, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 59 per cent surplus and 41 per cent adequate. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 43 per cent surplus and 57 per cent adequate.
Eight per cent of the winter wheat crop and four per cent of the fall rye crop have some winter-kill or spring flooding damage.
Farmers are busy calving, hauling cattle to pasture, cleaning seed and preparing machinery for seeding.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592