The warm temperatures are beginning to dry up the spring fields, and that’s got farmers looking toward seeding. It’s early to be out there yet, but preparations are ongoing. With an early season check in, an introduction to Humboldt Co-op Ag’s new agronomist Emma Johnson is in order. 

Emma originally hails from Arborfield and currently resides in Lanigan. She works out of the Humboldt Ag Centre on all things agronomy including soil sampling, scouting fields, and making recommendations with the Co-op Ag’s full set of products and services at the farmer’s disposal. 

The weather has turned from full blown winter to near summer conditions, and that’s great for seasonal drying, but there’s some time left before farmers are on the fields.

“It still looks pretty wet out there,” says Johnson. “Still, it’s the perfect time for people to catch up on last minute pre-burn options. If you want to do soil sampling and get seed treatment lined up while it’s still a bit cool and wet - we want to make sure we’re protecting the seeds once we’re in the ground. We’re just waiting for it to warm up.”

Johnson says it’s still a bit wet for much early assessment, but with temperatures this week poised to be in the 20s, the situation should improve rapidly. 

Most areas of east central Saskatchewan received an early and generous snowpack this year, but those further north and east, toward St. Brieux, Melfort and Tisdale receive even larger accumulations. That will have an impact on startup dates.

“They might be a little delayed, especially with differences in soil textures. Here we’re a little sandier, and the water can disappear pretty quick, but there’s some places it likes to hang out a while.” 

With the impending seeding season, there’s always buzz in farm circles about conditions and product use to maximize growth. Johnson looks to this year’s focus..

“There’s talk about availability of certain products, that’s usually always a concern, and there’s insect concerns down the line with discussion on that. But it’s mostly about getting on the field sooner than later and attacking those tough to control weeds.”

Keep an eye on DiscoverHumboldt.com for more insight into this year’s crop season with Emma Johnson of Co-op Ag, and with our network of local farmers.