The Ministry of Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report for May 11 to 17 shows a surge in seeding activity in all corners of the province. Farmers have put 74 percent of seed in the ground, which far exceeds the five year average of 48 percent. While the advanced timeline is good news, the dry conditions that jump started the seeding is not. Little rain has fallen in the province over the past week, and that has some farmers considering holding back on completion until some forecast precipitation arrives.

The southwest region leads the way with 82 percent seeded, while the southeast has completed 79 percent. Both the west central and northwest regions are at 77 percent while east central and northeast regions are well ahead of normal at 63 percent.

Ninety-three percent of field peas, 93 percent of lentils, 83 percent of durum, 83 percent of chickpeas, 80 percent of spring wheat, 78 percent of canola and 75 percent of barley have been seeded to date.

A localized thunderstorm brought 25 mm of rainfall to the Tisdale area, and that represented the highest rainfall amount in the province. Christopher Lake and Pelly saw 10 mm. The remainder of the province saw little to no precipitation.

That lack of moisture continues to be reflected in topsoil moisture contents. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as zero percent surplus, 20 percent adequate, 48 per cent short and 32 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as zero percent surplus, 13 percent adequate, 36 per cent short and 50 per cent very short.

The dry weather has some farmers holding off on planting canola, and low weed emergence has largely brought a halt to spraying. Crop germination has been slow and patchy. That may be a saving grace with frost reported extensively in the province. Many farmers are hanging their hopes on some moisture coming with this week’s cold front.