HUMBOLDT - Most producers in the region are finished seeding or will be wrapping up shortly, according to the crop report for the period of May 30 to June 5. Ninety-eight per cent of the 2023 crop is now seeded, which is up from 89 per cent last week and near the five-year average (2018-2022) of 99 per cent. Heavy downpours in parts of the northeast have resulted in accumulation of water in the fields. Rain was welcome for many though, due to dry conditions and high temperatures.
Most areas in the northeast received rain this past week. The Lake Lenore region received 44 mm of rain, the Garrick area 34 mm, the Arborfield area 30 mm and the Star City area 23 mm and the Porcupine Plain area nine mm.
Cropland topsoil moisture is being rated as 11 per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate and seven per cent short. Hay and pasture land is rated as one per cent surplus, 88 per cent adequate, 10 per cent short and one per cent very short.
Warm weather and adequate moisture have helped crops progress, with many producers stating that crops are ahead in development for this time of year. Thirty-eight per cent of the spring cereals are emerging and 54 per cent are tillering. Thirty per cent of canola and mustard is emerging and 61 per cent is in the seedling stage, while 56 per cent of flax is in the seedling stage. Thirty per cent of the pulse crops are emerging and 68 per cent are in the vegetative stage.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to strong winds, localized flooding, hail, dry conditions, heat and flea beetles. Producers are busy in-crop spraying, although the high temperatures and rain has been delaying some.
