Saskatchewan planting is off to a slow start, but it’s not likely farmers will complain.
The first weekly crop report of the 2024 season on Thursday pegged provincewide seeding at 12% complete as of Monday, well behind the five- and 10-year averages of 23% and 20%, respectively
Delays were due to much-needed rainfall, which has dented multi-year drought conditions in the province and offered hope of a better growing season. Most of the province received rain in varying amounts, with the heaviest amounts recorded in the Moose Jaw area at over 100 mm, the report said.
Topsoil moisture for cropland was rated 8% surplus, 79% adequate, 12% short and 1% very short as of Monday. That is a major improvement from the final crop report for the 2023 season, released in mid-October, which put cropland soil moisture at 31% adequate, 44% short and 25% very short.
Seeding in the province’s Southwest Region is the furthest advanced at 23% complete as of Monday, followed by the Southeast at 16%. The Northwest and West-Central regions were at 8% and 5% done, respectively, while the East-Central and Northeastern regions were further behind at 4% and 3% complete, mainly due to higher spring snow accumulations.
Field peas were 25% planted across the province as of Monday, followed by lentils at 23%, chickpeas at 21% and durum at 20%. The spring wheat and barley crops were both 12% planted, with oats and canola at 6% done. An estimated 3% of the flax crop was in the ground, along with 2% of the soybeans.
Spring runoff was reported in mid-April at 74% below average, 22% average and 4% above average. More than half of the province’s crop reporters (58%) said the amount of runoff received would be sufficient to fill dugouts and other water bodies within their area.
“Livestock producers are hopeful that the recent moisture will improve pasture conditions to ensure cattle have adequate feed while out to pasture,” the report said.
Almost 60% of producers currently estimate that there will be no shortages of on-farm surface water supplies for livestock with 23% estimating that shortages may occur in one to two months depending on future moisture conditions. More than 80% of producers said they are not concerned with water quality for their livestock.
Southeast:
Although seeding progress was slowed due to the recent precipitation, the southeast is reporting 16 per cent complete seeding. Of the crops seeded, field peas and lentils are the furthest along at 31 per cent and 29 per cent respectively. Durum follows close behind at 28 per cent seeded. Mustard is the least at only two per cent seeded within the region.
The Belle Plaine area received a significant amount of rain this past week, reporting 77 mm followed by the Whitewood area where they received 64 mm. Radville and Avonlea areas received 43 mm and 36 mm respectively. The Alida area also reported rainfall this past week at 24 mm.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as nine per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate, seven per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate, 19 per cent short and three per cent very short.
Southwest:
Although the recent moisture slowed seeding progress, the southwest region is the furthest advanced at 23 per cent complete. Overall, pulse crops lead seeding progress in this region. Field peas and chickpeas are furthest ahead with 35 per cent and 31 per cent complete respectively. Barley is reported to be 26 per cent complete. Triticale is the least seeded at three per cent within the region.
Although variable, rainfall was widespread throughout the region this past week. The Moose Jaw area received a significant amount of rain, reporting 103 mm. The Mossbank area reported 61 mm. The Admiral and Kyle areas received 34 mm and 30 mm respectively.
Topsoil moisture conditions have improved with the recent rain. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate, 19 per cent short.
East-Central:
Seeding progress is a bit delayed in the east-central region due to the spring snowfall and cooler temperatures. The region reports four per cent of seeding is complete. This is slightly ahead of the reported three per cent reported at this time last year.
All areas within the region reported variable amounts of rainfall this past week. The Foam Lake area reported the most at 68 mm followed by the Kenaston region at 67 mm. The Jedburgh area reported 41 mm and the Canora area reported 10 mm of rain for the past week. An increase in temperature and pause in rainfall would be welcome in the area to green up pastures and allow for seeding activities to progress.
Topsoil moisture conditions are looking good within the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 17 per cent surplus, 77 per cent adequate, six per cent short.
West-Central:
Although seeding has been delayed within much of the region, producers welcomed the much-needed moisture. The seeding progress is reported at five per cent. Pulse crops and perennial forages are the main crops that have been seeded so far within the region.
Varying amounts of rainfall fell within the region over the past week. The Dinsmore area reported the most at 52 mm followed by Rosetown at 49 mm. The Battleford area received 28 mm and Macklin received 10 mm.
Given the recent rainfall, topsoil moisture conditions have improved throughout much of the region, but areas are still hoping for moisture soon to help further improve conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 72 per cent adequate, 20 per cent short and six per cent very short.
Northeast:
Spring snowfall and cooler temperatures delayed seeding operations within the region. The region is reported at three per cent complete. The main crops seeded currently are pulses.
Widespread rainfall occurred throughout the region this past week. Hague and Rose Valley received the most with both areas reporting 55 mm. Lake Lenore area received 48 mm and Tisdale area received 47 mm. A few producers were busy applying anhydrous ammonia fertilizer and harrowing prior to the rainfall.
Topsoil moisture conditions are looking good within the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent surplus, 88 per cent adequate and four per cent short.
Northwest:
Producers in the northwest are eight per cent complete seeding. Pulses, spring wheat and flax are among the crops mainly seeded within the region. Although some rain fell within the region over the past week, producers would appreciate more to help replenish moisture conditions.
Overall, the northwest did not receive as much rainfall as the rest of the province. The highest amount reported in the region was in the Hafford area at 33 mm. The Medstead and St. Walburg areas received 12 mm and 5 mm respectively.
Although the recent rainfall improved topsoil moisture conditions, much of the region is still hoping for moisture to help further improve conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, 19 per cent short and three per cent very short.
