News Seeding/Planting
Dry conditions progress seeding, delay crop emergence in Prairies

Dry conditions, especially in the southern Prairies, have resulted in above-average seeding progress in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

In Saskatchewan, 38 per cent of crop is in the ground ahead of the province’s five-year average of 31 per cent. However, crops are slow to emerge due to cool conditions, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s latest crop report.

Rainfall was reported in early May across the province, with the Nipawin area receiving the greatest amount of rain at 21 mm. Most regions of Saskatchewan still need rain to help alleviate dry field conditions. Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 52 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and seven per cent very short.

In Manitoba, 84 per cent of crop is seeded, also ahead of the five-year average of 72 per cent. Yet, similar to Saskatchewan, rainfall is needed to assisted with continued crop growth and germination, according to Manitoba Agriculture’s latest crop report.

In Alberta, seeding progress is significant with an average of 43 per cent of crops seeded, ahead of the five-year average of 25 per cent. However, late snow and rain brought some well-needed moisture to the province.

The dry conditions currently being experienced by some regions in the Prairies increase the risk of herbicide carryover. Herbicide residues, left from lack of rainfall and herbicide degradation, can impact the following crop unexpectedly. Producers within Saskatchewan, large areas in southern Alberta and a few pockets in Manitoba are also at risk.