Seeding progressing well in NW region

He credits the overall favourable weather conditions for the area helping producers make strides with their seeding.

“They have been relatively dry over the past couple of weeks,” the expert said. “They did get some good dumps of rain [this past week], which did delay a few farmers. But for the most part, mainly in the southern half of the region, they were able to seed without any delay. But that rain that they did receive is very welcome and very appreciated, and it will do wonders for germination and emergence for crops.”

While overall the province is behind the five-year planting average of 78 per cent, the North-West region is just about on par. This region is also doing far better than the Eastern part of the province, which had some setbacks due to inclement weather recently.

Currently, farmers are planting pulses and cereals in the region, as early crops.

“Now that some moisture has been received in the North West, canola acres will be getting going,” Struthers said. “Some producers in the region have already completed their seeding operations, whereas others are still tidying up and finishing up their operations. So most of the crop is in the ground already. The last few acres to go in are likely the rest of cereals, and then also canola.”

To improve soil conditions, producers hope for a little more rain. Last year’s drought left soils gasping for moisture, although precipitation this year helped remedy the situation to a degree.

“For the North-West region things do look pretty good,” Struthers said. “They could always be a little bit better, especially if you look at the conditions of last year. So we’re finally seeing some surplus topsoil moisture in the region.”

He noted the majority of the topsoil moisture in the region is rated as adequate, which is good for cropland as well as hay and pasture. But the specialist adds more rain “would definitely be appreciated” after seeding is completed to get the crops up and established well, and to improve pastures and hay-land producing grass for the season.

While shortages are being reported in parts of the province for accessing farm equipment parts and herbicide inputs, Struthers said it often depends on the region.

“Some areas are doing better than others for their availability, and others are doing worse off,” he said. “Hopefully, these issues are solved quickly.”

Struthers said it would be unfortunate if farmers experienced delays waiting for equipment parts or needed to find alternative machinery. He adds he also wouldn’t want to see producers have to make do with less fertilizer or herbicides than they require.

“Hopefully, those issues are solved and everyone can have a good year,” he said.

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

Seeding progressing well in NW region

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