'I don’t think we’re in a state of worry yet': Sask. farmers reporting slower than average start to seeding
Producers throughout Saskatchewan are facing delayed seeding due to cooler temperatures and an early spring snowstorm, according to the province’s first crop report of 2022.
According to the report released on Thursday, one per cent of the 2022 crop is currently in the ground.
“Well behind the five-year average (2017-2021) of five per cent,” the report read.
Farmer and agriculture consultant Kevin Hursh had his seeding pushed back to April 29.
“It was a bit of cool spring, and we did have some drizzly late flurry weather that did give us much moisture but delayed getting on the field,” said Hursh.
Hursh says he is about 40 per cent done seeding.
According to the report, “topsoil moisture for cropland, hay and pastureland is still less than ideal for proper seed germination and pasture growth.”
Crop extensions specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture, Matt Struthers, says the below-average seeding is mainly in the east-central, southeast and northern regions.
“I know a lot of farmers are anxious to get out there, but there still is plenty time to get seeds in the ground,” he said. “What we don’t want to see right now is more snow or cooler weather because that just means a longer delay.”
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) isn’t panicking over the delay either.
“I don’t think we’re in a state of worry yet,” said president Ian Boxall. “I’m here in the northeast, there is still some snowbanks and they’re calling for some rain, which actually will help get rid of the snow and warm up the soil.”
Boxall says farmers will take the delay over the drought conditions experienced last year.
“A lot of crop goes in this province in two weeks and I believe a majority of the province will get seeding in the next week,” he said.
Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang says the province is seeing more unstable patterns bringing in showers and thunder showers.
“Temperatures look to be seasonal over the next week or so, certainly not as warm as it was in the past few days,” she said. “April was well below season temperatures.”
In total, 191 producers reported to the April 26 to May 2 crop report.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.