Ninety-one per cent of the 2012 crop has been seeded, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report. The five-year (2007-2011) average for this time of year is approximately 86 per cent seeded.
Eighty-nine per cent of the crop is seeded in the southeastern region, 94 per cent in the southwest and west central areas, 84 per cent in the east-central area and 95 per cent in the northeastern and northwestern regions.
Rain was recorded in some areas of the province, delaying seeding operations. Producers in some areas of the eastern regions are dealing with very wet soil conditions.
The majority of spring cereal crops are in the pre-emergent and emerging stages of crop development. Fall cereals are in the jointed to shot-blade stage. The majority of pulse crops are emerging and in the vegetative stages; canola and mustard crops mostly are pre-emergent or in the emerging stages of development. Province-wide, 20 per cent of the canola and mustard is in the seedling stage.
Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 16 per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate and one per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is 11 per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and two per cent short.
The majority of crop damage is due to flooding. Flea beetles are starting to cause some damage on canola crops. Heavy rains have caused some emergence issues in canola and flax. High winds have made weed control operations difficult.
Farmers are busy controlling weeds, trying to finish seeding and hauling cattle to pasture.
Follow the 2012 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKGovAg.
