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Spring Rains and Snowfall but Seeding Still Progressing
In Manitoba, soil moisture is bordering on excess in many areas. Rainfall last week was quite general with most areas receiving one to two inches. However some areas of the southwest received as much as four inches. In the northwest, some areas received eight to 12 inches of snow on Thursday night/Friday morning. Producers are looking for warm, dry conditions to complete seeding. Overall about 15 to 20% of the canola crop has been seeded.
In Saskachewan, the eastern side of the province is experiencing adequate moisture conditions with many areas receiving rainfall or snow last week. One exception is a dry pocket near Aylsham and Carrot River. The western half of the province is dry and many areas are in need of moisture. Earliest seeded crops are beginning to emerge but are patchy. Additional moisture is needed for more even emergence. No precipitation was received in the dry pocket around Unity, Kerrobert, Kindersley, and Rosetown. Producers are seeding canola into dust or have stopped seeding until moisture conditions improve. Overall about 50% of the canola crop has been seeded.
In Alberta, soil moisture conditions are variable, ranging from excess to dry. In the extreme southwest near Cardston, fields are wet and very little seeding has occurred to date. Last week’s snow fell west of highway #2 so conditions remain relatively dry in the southeast. In the Peace River Region, wet snow has halted field operations but brought needed moisture to both southern and northern areas. Overall about 55 to 70% of the canola crop has been seeded.
The latest crop report from Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food & Rural Revitalization is available at:
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/crprpt090511
Maps of current moisture conditions in western Canada from PFRA are available at:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prpay09_e.htm
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prpgs09_e.htm
Additional information on soil moisture conditions for Saskatchewan is available from Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food & Rural Revitalization at:
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=d82d857a-c641-41f5-bc04-57eedcfb0fc4
Additional moisture information for Alberta is available from Alberta Environment at: