Seeding is all but complete in Saskatchewan, as the majority of producers have shifted to haying, spraying and monitoring for pests and diseases. According to the latest provincial crop report, which covers June 16 to 22, seeding in the province is virtually complete at 99 per cent. Most regions in the province received significant rainfall, with the Foam Lake area recording the highest at 110 millimetres (mm) and the Hillsborough area recording 77 mm. The rain was welcome in some areas, but excessive precipitation in other areas led to saturated fields, the report outlined. Spraying operations in several regions were delayed due to periodic high winds combined with rainfall. Surplus conditions for cropland, hayland, and pasture topsoil moisture also increased due to the rainfall. Most crops are developing at a normal pace. However, a “notable portion” of crops are behind the expected stages of development due to cool and cloudy conditions. Oilseeds are the most impacted, with 45 per cent of those crops reported as behind, while 34 per cent of spring cereals are listed as behind. Excess moisture has also caused three per cent of normally seeded acreage to go unseeded. Of the seeded areas, three per cent is flooded. Three per cent of forage crops are also unlikely to produce a crop, and two per cent of pastureland is not usable. Crop damage was also reported over the past week, with excess moisture as the primary concern. Moderate to severe damage from gophers and winds have also been reported, with hail, flea beetles, and cutworms also causing damage. Producers are now hoping for favourable weather conditions to support crop growth. Crop insurance Acres which remained unseeded as of June 20 due to excess moisture may be eligible for an Unseeded Acreage Claim. June 25 is the deadline to submit a claim, while those who submit from June 26 to July 2 will incur a 25 per cent penalty of up to $1,000. After July 2, no claims will be accepted. The report noted no liability is accepted for crops seeded after June 20. Greenfeed is an exception and is not eligible for an Unseeded Acreage Claim. The full report can be found here.
