A few weeks in the field means the Ministry of Agricultures first crop report of the year is here.

West-central Saskatchewan was one of the first areas to begin seeding, but rain during the week caused a lot of producers to wait.

"Although seeding has been delayed within much of the region, producers welcomed the much-needed moisture." the release read. "The seeding progress is reported at five per cent. Pulse crops and perennial forages are the main crops that have been seeded so far within the region." 

The five per cent mark for west-central Saskatchewan comes as 7 per cent is complete in Division 12 (Biggar, Delisle, Rosetown and Sonningdale areas), and 5 per cent complete in Division 13 (Cut Knife, Kerrobert, Kindersley, Macklin, Plenty and Wilkie areas).

The area saw solid rainfall totals as we checked in with Environment Canada earlier in the week. The government report shared totals across the entire week, as "varying amounts of rainfall" saw the Dinsmore region lead the way with 52 mm, Rosetown right behind at 49 mm, Battleford and are getting 28 mm, while by the Alberta border at Macklin only received 10 mm of rain.

More moisture would certainly be welcome, but rainfall this week did help with the topsoil conditions. 

"Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 72 per cent adequate, 20 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hay land topsoil moisture is rated as 60 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Pasture is rated at 60 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short and 14 per cent very short."

While the moisture situation is being helped out, livestock producers are still having trouble with pooled water on the farm.

"On-farm surface water supplies for livestock are still showing to be of some concern within the region. Thirty-five per cent of producers are currently estimating that shortages may occur in 1-2 months with 17 per cent reporting moderate shortages occurring and nine per cent reporting severe shortages. Thirty-three per cent of producers estimated that there will be no shortages. Seventy-eight per cent of producers are not concerned with water quality for their livestock currently."

The local report finished by stating that, "producers are busy moving cattle to pastures and waiting for environmental conditions to allow them to get in the field", along with continuing their seeding efforts.