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Crop report - crops emerging

Crop report for May 14 to 20 – Seeding progress is quickly advancing across the province, thanks to very few disruptions in the weather and relatively good seeding conditions.
Photo by Louise Lundberg

Crop report for May 14 to 20 – Seeding progress is quickly advancing across the province, thanks to very few disruptions in the weather and relatively good seeding conditions. Seventy-three per cent of the crop is now seeded, up from 38 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year average (2014-18) of 59 per cent for this time of year.

Crops are slowly emerging, but are mostly in good condition despite the lack of moisture. The southwest region is the most advanced, with 84 per cent of the crop in the ground. Seventy-one per cent is seeded in the southeast, while 68 per cent of the crop is seeded in the east central region, 75 per cent in the west central region, 62 per cent in the north east and 68 per cent in the north west. Eighty per cent of the spring wheat, 84 per cent of the durum, 93 per cent of the lentils, 94 per cent of the peas, 63 per cent of the canola, 66 per cent of the barley and 55 per cent of the flax have now been seeded.

Rainfall was reported this past week throughout the province, ranging from trace amounts to 23 mm in the Radville area. The majority of the province remains in need of rain to replenish the topsoil, as warm temperatures and strong winds continue to dry fields.

Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 44 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 16 per cent very short.  Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as 36 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 23 per cent very short.  Hay and pasture growth has been slow due to little rainfall.

Farmers are busy seeding and controlling weeds when winds are calm.