More farmers have been able to get out into the field this week. Seeding is up from nine per cent last week to 38 per cent this week. This is well ahead of the five-year average (2016-2020) of 22 per cent. Crops that have been seeded so far are slow to emerge due to cool temperatures and little soil moisture.
Producers in the region have made great progress this past week with 56 per cent of the crop now seeded, this is significantly higher than the five-year average (2016-2020) of 29 per cent. Most producers are out in the field and the scattered rain showers in the region over the past week will help with germination.
Most of the southwest region received some scattered precipitation this week. The most was received in the Admiral area with 25 mm. The Rockglen area received 21 mm, the Shaunavon area received 20 mm and Maple Creek received 16 mm.
Most producers have indicated that livestock water supplies are experiencing moderate shortages and more severe shortages are anticipated without further rainfall.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as zero per cent surplus, 40 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 20 per cent very short. Hay and pasture top soil moisture is not fairing any better with zero per cent surplus, 27 per cent adequate, 56 per cent short and 17 per cent very short.
Producers are busy seeding, fencing, branding and getting cattle ready for pasture.
