ESTEVAN - Seeding is almost finished for producers in the region, some will be wrapping up the last of their greenfeed acres and then finally closing the seeding chapter for 2023, according to the crop report for the period of June 6 to 12. Some reseeding is occurring due to grasshopper damage on earlier seeded crops. Producers are hoping they can get ahead on their pest control to reduce to amount of crop lost this year.
There were heavy localized rain showers in the region this past week resulting in some severe flooding. Reported precipitation from rain gauges shows that rainfall ranged from two mm to 35 mm for the week. Some producers have reported anecdotal information that some downpours resulting in three to four inches of rain, these areas experienced heavy flood and has led to crop damage and soil erosion.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, 13 per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short and one per cent very short. Many producers in the south half of the region are calling for more rain after they missed out on most of the recent precipitation and their fields are beginning to dry out rapidly.
In the southeast region, 87 per cent of the fall cereals, 72 per cent of the spring cereals, 66 per cent of the oilseed crops and 70 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year. Due to adequate moisture this spring, crops have been developing very well. In the areas where soil moisture was too high, crops have been slow to develop as they struggle through their growing conditions.
Crop conditions range from fair to excellent in the region, with 65 per cent of the spring wheat, 67 per of the canola and 58 per cent of the lentils being in good condition at this time. Producers are hoping for good forecasts as they enter the second half of June, crops will need more moisture now to maintain their yield potential before the hot days of July arrive.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to flooding, insect pests (flea beetle and grasshoppers) and hail. In areas where large amounts of rainfall were received, pulse crops are suffering due to the occurrence of root rot; unfortunately, producers can only hope conditions dry up. Producers are busy spraying when they can and beginning to clean and store their seeding equipment until next year.
