There was rain for some and not much for others last week. That sums up precipitation totals in the weekly Saskatchewan Agriculture crop report.

There were larger amounts on the eastern side of the province, while the southwest remains very dry.

“Producers in the southwest are still quite concerned over the dry conditions,” says Shannon Friesen, a crops extension specialist. “We have also heard that some of the hay has already prematurely headed out , so there will likely won’t be much of a hay crop in many of those areas.”

Friesen says emerging crops receiving rain will get a much needed boost.

“Crop development and growth has been quite delayed, mainly due to a late start to the spring and the very dry conditions. Now, that we have received some moisture and get some heat, those crops will really start to grow.”

Seeding is nearly finished at 96 percent complete. Growers are now applying in-crop weed control products when conditions permit.

You can check out the detailed region-by-region report below. It also contains precipitation amounts for a variety of locations.

SOUTHEAST
Crop District 1 -Carnduff, Estevan, Redvers, Moosomin and Kipling areas; Crop District 2 Weyburn, Milestone, Moose Jaw, Regina and Qu Appelle areas; Crop District 3ASE Radville and Lake Alma areas

A heavy rain fell on much of the region, bringing relief to dry field conditions. Many areas received more rainfall this past week than they had during the entire 2017 crop season. For most producers, the rainfall was perfectly timed for crops to establish and to replenish dry pastures and hay land. For others, fields and roads are now flooded, and it will be some time before they are dry enough to be accessed.

Many areas reported well over 100 mm of rain this past week, with most areas receiving at least 50 mm. The Lampman area received the greatest amount of precipitation (256 mm) in just a few days, flooding both fields and homes. The Carnduff area reported 111 mm, the Alida area 135 mm, the Frobisher area 201 mm, the Stoughton area 148 mm, the Maryfield area 128 mm, the Kipling, Moose Jaw, Glenavon and Broadview areas 80 mm, the Tantallon area 132 mm, the Whitewood and Odessa areas 100 mm, the Weyburn area 148 mm, the Indian Head area 50 mm and the Regina area 51 mm. The Lampman area has received the most precipitation (265 mm) in both the region and the province since April 1.

Topsoil moisture conditions have improved tremendously with the recent rain. Much of the moisture has moved into the soil but many areas remain saturated. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 23 per cent surplus, 63 per cent adequate and 14 per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 16 per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 19 per cent short and one per cent very short. Crop District 1A is reporting that 64 per cent of the cropland and 44 per cent of the hay land and pasture have surplus topsoil moisture at this time.

Seeding operations have essentially wrapped up, although some greenfeed may be seeded once fields dry up. Ninety-eight per cent of the crop is now in the ground, up from 93 per cent last week, and well ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 87 per cent for this time of year.

Crop emergence remains patchy but the recent moisture will help crops establish once fields dry up. Pastures and hay land have benefited greatly from the rainfall but will soon need warm weather to grow. The majority of crop damage this past week, besides localized flooding, was due to hail, strong winds and lack of moisture. Insects such as flea beetles continue to cause damage in canola fields.

Farmers are busy finishing seeding and spraying pesticides when able to.

SOUTHWEST Crop District 3ASW Coronach, Assiniboia and Ogema areas; Crop District 3AN Gravelbourg, Mossbank, Mortlach and Central Butte areas;
Crop District 3B Kyle, Swift Current , Shaunavon and Ponteix areas; Crop District 4 Consul, Maple Creek and Leader areas

Although some areas in the region received much-welcomed rain, many areas received nothing and will need significant rainfall in the coming weeks to get crops, pastures and hay growing. Concerns remain that if rain is not received soon, soil moisture levels will not be enough to support a crop. Some hay fields have prematurely headed out and crops have been very slow to emerge and grow.

Rainfall in the region ranged from nil to 61 mm in the Mortlach area. The Mossbank area reported 31 mm, the Glenbain area 1 mm, the Shaunavon area 8 mm, the Swift Current and Tompkins areas 28 mm, the Cabri area 29 mm, the Success area 18 mm, the Gull Lake area 5 mm and the Hazlet area 25 mm. The Mortlach area has received the most precipitation (100 mm) in the region since April 1.

Topsoil moisture conditions have slightly improved with the recent rainfall. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 40 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 35 per cent adequate, 51 per cent short and 14 per cent very short. Crop District 3ASW is reporting that 25 per cent of both the cropland and the hay land and pasture remain very short of topsoil moisture at this time.

Seeding operations have essentially wrapped up, although some greenfeed may be seeded if rain is received. Ninety-eight per cent of the crop is now in the ground, up from 95 per cent last week and ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 94 per cent for this time of year.

Crop emergence has been very patchy but some fields will benefit from the recent rain. Pastures and hay land remain dry and in poor condition. The majority of crop damage this past week was due to lack of moisture, strong winds, localized flooding and insects such as flea beetles in canola.

Farmers are busy finishing seeding, rolling pulse crops, and starting in-crop spraying when they can.

EAST-CENTRAL Crop District 5 Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville and Kelvington areas; Crop District 6A Lumsden, Craik, Watrous and Clavet areas

Despite localized flooding in some areas, the majority of producers -welcomed the rainfall this past week, which was perfectly timed for crops to establish and to help pastures and grass grow. For others, fields and roads have been flooded and it will be some time before they are dry enough to be accessed. Pastures and hay land are greening up and will now need heat to help with growth.

Many areas in the region reported at least 50 mm of rain. The Langenburg area reported 107 mm of rain, the greatest amount for the region. The Jedburgh area reported 62 mm of rain, the Esterhazy area 92 mm, the Rocanville area 102 mm, the Ituna area 62 mm, the Wynyard and Raymore areas 40 mm, the Kelvington area 75 mm, the Lumsden area 74 mm, the Craven area 65 mm, the Outlook area 33 mm and the Allan area 10 mm. The Langenburg area has received the most precipitation (161 mm) in the region since April 1.

Topsoil moisture conditions have improved tremendously with the recent rain. Much of the moisture has moved into the soil but many fields remain saturated. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 17 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate and five per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 11 per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, seven per cent short and two per cent very short. Crop District 5B is reporting that 26 per cent of the cropland and 21 per cent of the hay land and pasture have surplus topsoil moisture at this time.

Seeding is wrapping up in the region, although some fields may remain unseeded if they do not dry up soon. Some producers will need at least a week or two in order to finish. Ninety-three per cent of the crop is now seeded, up from 86 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 89 per cent for this time of year.

Crops are emerging but growth is delayed in many areas. Pastures and hay land are greening up and the recent rainfall will help with growth. Additional timely moisture will be needed in the coming weeks to help crops and grass grow. Most crop damage this past week was due to localized flooding, hail, wind, lack of moisture and insects such as flea beetles in canola.

Producers are busy trying to complete seeding and spraying pesticides.

WEST CENTRAL Crop Districts 6B Hanley, Outlook, Loreburn, Saskatoon and Arelee areas;
Crop District 7A Rosetown, Kindersley, Eston, Major;
Crop District 7B – Kerrobert, Macklin, Wilkie and Biggar areas

Much-needed rain was received in the region, although additional rain will be needed in the coming weeks to help crops emerge and grass to establish. Some areas have not received much more than an inch or two of moisture in the past few months.

The region saw varying amounts of moisture due to scattered showers this week. Many producers in the region still need more rain. Rainfall ranged from less than 10 mm to 45 mm in the Major area. The Eyebrow area reported 18 mm, the Hanley area 9 mm, the Rosthern area 29 mm, the Smiley area 40 mm, the Biggar area 21 mm and the Unity area 42 mm. The Saskatoon area has received the most precipitation (90 mm) in the region since April 1.

Topsoil moisture conditions have started to improve in the region due to the recent rainfall. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 78 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short and four per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 63 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and seven per cent very short.

Ninety-seven per cent of acres have been seeded in the region, up from the 92 per cent seeded last week. This is slightly ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) average of 93 per cent for this time of year. Producers are expected to wrap up seeding within the next week or two.

Crop emergence and hay land and pasture conditions have improved due to recent rain in the region. Crop damage was minimal this week and attributed to wind, lack of moisture and insects. Some producers have been spraying insecticides to control flea beetles and cutworms in canola crops.

Farmers are busy wrapping up seeding, beginning in-crop spraying for weed control and taking cattle to pasture.

NORTHEAST: Crop District 8 Hudson Bay, Tisdale, Melfort, Carrot River, Humboldt, Kinistino, Cudworth and Aberdeen areas;
Crop District 9AE Prince Albert, Choiceland and Paddockwood areas

Although some fields have flooded with the recent rainfall, the majority of the region welcomed this past week s moisture. Most producers will benefit from the moisture, but some areas are now saturated and will need warm and dry weather in the coming weeks. Pastures and hay land are greening up and could now use some heat to grow.

The rain will also help crop emergence and will replenish topsoil reserves. Porcupine Plain received the largest amount of rainfall in the region (80 mm) this week. The Bjorkdale area reported almost no moisture, the Tisdale area 42 mm, the Bruno and Prince Albert areas 30 mm, the Birch Hills area 19 mm, the Melfort area 51 mm, the Arborfield area 70 mm and the Nipawin area 43 mm. The Humboldt region has received the most precipitation (144 mm) in the region since April 1.

Topsoil moisture conditions have improved in the region with some areas reporting surplus moisture. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 27 per cent surplus, 72 per cent adequate and one per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 19 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate and three per cent short. Crop District 8A is reporting that 45 per cent of the cropland and 34 per cent of the hay land and pasture have surplus topsoil moisture at this time.

Ninety-six per cent of seeding is done in the region, up from 87 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) average of 90 per cent for this time of year. Producers had a slight setback due to cool and wet conditions this past week, but welcomed the moisture nonetheless. If the weather cooperates, seeding should be wrapped up in the next week.

Crops are emerging nicely due to moisture received over the past two weeks, but could use some sunshine to catch up to their normal developmental stages for this time of year. The majority of crop damage this past week was due to excess moisture and insects. Some producers have been spraying for flea beetles.

Farmers are working to catch up on seeding and in-crop spraying that was delayed due to rainfall this week.

NORTHWEST :Crop District 9AW Shellbrook, North Battleford, Big River and Hafford areas; Crop District 9B Meadow Lake, Turtleford, Pierceland, Maidstone and Lloydminster areas

Rainfall last week was welcomed by producers in much of the region. The moisture will help crops emerge and pastures and hay land establish and grow. Some fields have standing water but most has moved into the soil.

Steady showers were reported across the region, with rainfall ranging from 21 mm in Neilburg to 53 mm in Meadow Lake. The Turtleford area reported 45 mm, the Barthel and St. Walberg areas 30 mm, the Pierceland area 35 mm, the Spiritwood area 40 mm, the Mayfair area 37 mm and the Duck Lake area 25 mm. The Hafford area has received the most precipitation (104 mm) in the region since April 1.

Topsoil moisture conditions have improved drastically thanks to this week s rain. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 91 per cent adequate and seven per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 91 per cent adequate and nine per cent short.

Seeding is wrapping up in the region, with 96 per cent of the crop now in the ground, up from 90 per cent last week and just ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) average of 90 per cent. With forecasts of sunshine, most producers expect to get back in the field to finish seeding this week.

Crop emergence has become more even, thanks to the timely rain. Hay land and pastures in the area have also perked up. The majority of crop damage this week was due to insects and excess moisture. Some producers have been spraying for flea beetles.

Producers are busy finishing any seeding that was postponed due to the rain and have started in-crop spraying.