(file photo/JPBG)

By Tyler Marr

NEARLY DONE

Regional producers nearly done seeding, contending with historically dry spring

Jun 7, 2019 | 7:00 AM

As seeding in the region nears completion, producers are turning an eye to the sky and hoping for rain.

The latest crop report from the province said 99 per cent of crop in northwestern Saskatchewan is in the ground, up significantly from 87 per cent last week and ahead of the five-year average of 93.

Ninety-seven per cent of oats and barley, 93 per cent of flax and 99 per cent of spring wheat and canola are seeded.

All six crop districts in the province are reporting 99 per cent in the ground, compared to 92 per cent last week and the five-year average of 93.

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But little rainfall has worsened topsoil moisture conditions. The Raddison, Hafford, Mayfair, Lloydminster and Barthel areas reported just 2 mm while upwards of 5 mm was reported around Meadow Lake. The Turtleford area has received the most since April 1, according to the province, with 101.5 mm.

“Significant rainfall is needed throughout the region to even out crop germination and growth and would be highly beneficial to hay crops and pasture,” the report said.

Data from Environment Canada shows the North Battleford area had the third driest spring on record. Between March 1 and May 31, just 27.1 mm of precipitation was recorded, 38 per cent of normal amounts, which typically average 72.1.

Meadow Lake had it’s fourth driest on record, seeing just 33 per cent of normal precipitation levels with just 27.4 mm compared to a typical 83.

The lack of moisture, according to the crop report, has slowed crop, hay land and pasture progress. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 36 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 16 per cent very short.

“Most crops [are] in poor to good condition,” the report said.

Little rain was joined by strong winds, flea beetles and cutworms as causing most crop damage last week.

—

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr