Hot and dry conditions across the province have contributed to the virtual wrap up of seeding for the 2021 crop year. The Agriculture Ministry’s Weekly Crop Report for May 25 - 31 shows 97 percent of the province is seeded, ahead of the 5 year average of 92 percent. Most regions of the province are at 98 percent completion with the north-east just behind the trend at 93 percent.

Provincially, ninety-nine percent of field peas, canary seed and chickpeas, 98 percent of durum and spring wheat, 96 percent of barley, flax, canola and soybeans, 95 percent of lentils and 92 percent of oats have been seeded to date.

A few isolated rain events occurred during the week with the greatest amount of rainfall, 23 mm, occurring in the Cando area. Following this week’s heat, sporadic overnight thunderstorms have popped up, but moisture levels vary. More rain is expected due to late day thunderstorms this week. 

The recent hot weather and windy conditions have depleted soil moisture since the general rains of two weeks ago. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as zero percent surplus, 72 percent adequate, 20 percent short and eight percent very short.  Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as zero percent surplus, 58 percent adequate, 29 percent short and 13 percent very short.

Crop conditions for emergent crops are generally good.  Smaller seed crops, such as canola and mustard, are rated as fair to good.  This is mainly due to reduced germination caused by winds and lack of moisture as well as flea beetle pressure.  The moisture received over the previous two weeks has allowed later seeded crops to emerge more evenly and earlier seeded crops are now able to develop further.  Most crop damage this week was due to strong dry winds, dry soil conditions, flea beetles and gophers.