OUTLOOK - Most seeding operations have wrapped up in the region now that 99 per cent of the crop has been seeded, up from 94 per cent last week and on par with the five-year average, according to the crop report for the period of May 30 to June 5. While most producers reported that there is enough moisture to support germination of crops, more is needed soon to ensure continued development.
Rain was reported throughout the region this past week. Much of it came in the form of heavy storms. This resulted in some flooding of low spots. The Dinsmore area received 54 mm of rain, the Wilkie area 38 mm, the Rosetown area 22 mm, the Hague area 10 mm and the Kerrobert area two mm.
Moisture conditions have slightly improved in the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate, 27 per cent short and four per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 55 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and six per cent very short.
Thirty-eight per cent of the fall cereal crops are in the shot blade stage and 18 per cent are heading, while 47 per cent of the spring cereals are tillering. Thirty-six per cent of canola and mustard is emerging and 54 per cent is in the seedling stage, along with 36 per cent of flax in the seedling stage. Thirty-five per cent of the pulse crops are emerging and 60 per cent is in the vegetative stage.
Crop damage this week was reported due to dry conditions, heat, wind, localized flooding, flea beetles, grasshoppers and gophers. Producers are busy doing in-crop spraying, moving cattle to pasture and picking rocks.
