Below-normal temperatures and overcast skies have hampered efforts for a quick pre-seed burnoff in the province.

Grant MacLean, Cropping Management Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture, says the cold temperatures have slowed weed growth, making herbicide applications ineffective.

MacLean says weed growth has held back by cool temperatures, and that's frustrating farmers.

MacLean adds farmers need to see nighttime temperatures warmer than plus five and nice, sunny days for three or four days in a row to make the best use of pre-seed herbicide applications.