Seeding has finished for most producers in the Moose Jaw region and they are now monitoring their crops. 

Provincially, only one per cent of acres are unseeded, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Those areas that are unseeded are due to frequent rainfall and excessive moisture. Producers are continuing spraying operations as the weather permits. 

For this region, producers have seen minimal damage when it comes of excessive moisture and flooding. 

“Rain has been variable throughout the region. Producers have, in specific areas, reported minor areas where water has pooled but overall (there has been) limited crop damage from excessive moisture reported by reporters in the area,” said Crops Extension Specialist Meghan Rosso.  

The areas that saw the most rainfall were the Rosthern, Nipawin and Biggar regions. 

As for crop development, Rosso said, for the most part, crops in our area are coming along nicely. 

“Within the region, most crops are falling within the normal stages of development for this time of year. There are a few that are trending to fall slightly behind due to the cooler weather. Specifically, oil seeds show to be the furthest behind with 16 per cent falling behind the normal stages of development within the region,” she said. 

For livestock producers, Rosso said pasture conditions are good in the area and producers are expecting good hay crops. Provincially, pasture topsoil moisture is five per cent surplus, 86 per cent adequate and nine per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is six per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and seven per cent short.  

Some minor crop damage has been reported, mainly due to flea beetles, gophers and grasshoppers. 

“Producers are taking control measures when needed in various crops,” Rosso said. 

The Ministry of Agriculture is also reminding producers that this is a stressful time of the year, but there is help. The Farm Stress Line provides support for farmers by calling 1-800-667-4442. 

Any producers with questions about crops or livestock can call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.