Seeding is virtually complete across Saskatchewan with just one percent of acres left and that is because of all of the rain we have been enjoying, and cursing this spring.
The highest rainfall recorded was around Rosthern, with 95 mm.
The Nipawin area reported 75 mm followed by the Biggar area at 72 mm. Although the rain is supporting crop growth in some regions of the province, it is causing crop stress and disease in others that received excess moisture.
The cooler temperatures have been slowing crop development. According to the latest crop report from Saskatchewan Agriculture, fall cereals, spring wheat and oilseeds are behind normal development as compared to previous weeks.
Now that summer is here, producers are hoping for a whole lot more sun to advance crop development.
The moisture is being welcomed in pastures, which are reported to be in good condition with many producers optimistic about the anticipated hay crop.
Pasture topsoil moisture is five per cent surplus, 86 per cent adequate and nine per cent short. Hay land topsoil moisture is reported at six per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and seven per cent short. Cropland topsoil moisture showed increases in both surplus and short across the province this week as compared to last week. The topsoil moisture is reported as nine per cent surplus, 88 per cent adequate and three per cent short.
Provincially, 79 per cent of producers report no shortages for livestock water supplies with 12 per cent indicating the potential for shortages throughout the summer. Ninety per cent indicate they are not concerned with water quality for their livestock at this time.
Producers are reporting overall minor crop damage due to frost with some crops still being assessed. Excess moisture has caused moderate crop damage in some areas with some crops yellowing and showing increases in leaf disease. Producers in some regions are applying fungicides to slow the development of disease. Gophers, flea beetles and grasshoppers continue to cause crop damage throughout the province. It is reported that in some areas gophers and flea beetles have caused severe damage and producers have had to re-seed. As grasshoppers continue to increase in numbers, producers are continuing to take control measures when needed.
