Scattered rain showers throughout the province have been a welcome sight for farmers that have wrapped up their seeding operations.

Crops extension specialist Matt Struthers says at this point 68  per cent of the provincial crop is in the ground, that's still behind the five-year average of 76 per cent.

"The northwest is still in the lead with 84 per cent of their crop now seeded followed by the west central with 81 per cent, the northeast with 76 per cent, the southwest with 73 per cent, the east-central and the southeast taking up the rear with 58 and  51 per cent respectively. Producers in the southeast and east-central are still struggling with excess moisture."

He notes the early-seeded crops have emerged and are looking good 

"Across the province, many producers had the moisture they needed. Things are starting to dry out and there are some reports of hilltops looking a little bit worse for wear, but producers are hoping for rain here soon."

Struthers says it's promising to hear that crop development for spring cereals, oilseeds, and pulses are all sitting around that 70 per cent mark. 

He notes there was some minor frost damage reported last week with reports that maybe the alfalfa stands were the hardest hit.

There are still reports of minor flooding causing crop damage as its delaying some producers from getting in there and seeding the crop.

He says with the warm weather last week we started seeing flea beetles adding they'll be going after the canola seedlings pretty hard as they start coming up.

With spring seeding wrapping up for some producers, they will be busy monitoring emergence, doing infield herbicide applications, as well as scouting for pests.

Producers will be looking for some timely rains to help carry the crop and pastures through the growing season.

Struthers adds that with the dry conditions, producers are reminded to stay vigilant about fire risk and to have fire prevention equipment handy.

To hear Glenda-Lee's conversation with Matt Struthers click on the link below.

You can also check out the full crop report here.