Seeding is virtually complete around Saskatchewan looking at the latest crop report, with only one per cent of the provincial crop currently left unseeded. Excess moisture is the main factor for the unseeded acres, though this years rain has certainly been more of a blessing than anything.

West-central Saskatchewan is done seeding, and even though the crop is in the ground, local producers are also dealing with the results of excess moisture. One per cent of cropland is currently not expected to produce a crop, and when it comes to livestock producers, another one per cent of the pastureland is not currently usable at this time. 

Leading the way in the recent rainfall totals was the Biggar area at 72 mm. The rain was widespread as the Macklin and Rosetown areas both collected 63 mm. Most of the region was around the 20 mm mark, with the farthest point of the reporting region Neilburg only receiving 14 mm.

This has resulted in increased topsoil moisture conditions. The report states that cropland topsoil moisture is at two per cent surplus, 97 per cent adequate, and one per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is one per cent surplus, 97 per cent adequate and two per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated at one per cent surplus, 96 per cent adequate and three per cent short.

Livestock water supplies are also remaining strong with 66 per cent of the region not seeing or anticipating shortages, 21 per cent looking at potential shortages. Additional information gathered this week is sharing that water quality is strong, as 78 per cent of producers are not feeling concerned for their livestock.

Reduced moisture has been just as minor an issue, but still enough to notice. Producers that are dealing with less than ideal precipitation are reporting one per cent of their seeded land struggling, with forage crops being the most impacted.

"Two per cent of forage crops may have their yield significantly affected along with three per cent of pastures that may have their carrying capacity reduced."

Crop development as a whole does seem to be lagging, thanks in part to the cool and wet conditions. The report shared that oilseeds and spring cereals are the furthest behind, pulse crops not to far behind, and Perennial forages are reporting the furthest advancements in development with 18 per cent of the crop ahead of normal.

Crop damage being noticed is due to the excess moisture once again, joining hail, waterfowl and wind as other environmental factors. Frost, gophers, flea beetles and grasshoppers are also playing a part. Crop disease can also be a killer, as some producers are using fungicides to counter the excess moisture.

With seeding complete producers are busy evaluating and monitoring their crops, and spraying as the weather allows.