BATTLEFORDS - The majority of producers in the region have completed seeding for the season, although rains have prevented some from completely finishing, according to the crop report for the period of May 30 to June 5. While rain caused some localized flooding, it was a welcome site for many. Seeding is now at 98 per cent, up slightly from 97 per cent last week and near the five-year average (2018-2022) of 99 per cent.
Much of the northwest region received rain this past week, but most of it was in the form of spotty rain showers. The Lloydminster area received the highest amount of rain this week with a reported 153 mm. The Meadow Lake area received 39 mm of rain, the Medstead area 38 mm and the Hafford area 14 mm.
Moisture conditions have improved in the region this past week, although more land is being rated as surplus for moisture. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 75 per cent adequate, 19 per cent short and six per cent very short.
Warm weather and recent rainfalls have helped support crop growth. Thirty-seven per cent of the spring cereals are emerging and 53 per cent are tillering. Thirty-four per cent of canola and mustard is emerging and 49 per cent is in the seedling stage, while 53 per cent of flax is in the seedling stage. Thirty-four per cent of the pulse crops are emerging and 52 per cent are in the vegetative stage.
Producers are reporting damage caused by flooding, hail, very dry conditions and flea beetles. Producers in the northwest are continuing in-crop spraying.
