Farmers around Weyburn have made more progress in getting the crop in the ground this year, compared to all of the other census divisions in Saskatchewan. The latest crop report, released by the provincial Ministry of Agriculture, showed that 91 percent of the crop is in the ground for the Weyburn area. This includes areas such as Midale, Milestone, Torquay, Radville, Avonlea and Fillmore.  

Southeast Saskatchewan overall has made the most progress with seeding this year, with 84 percent of the crop planted. This is ahead of the provincial average of 77 percent but behind the five-year average of 88 percent.  

Field peas and lentils are the furthest along, at 98 and 97 percent respectively. Canary seed is 92 percent complete, and durum 91 percent. Triticale has the lowest percentage seeded so far, at 50 percent, with soybeans at 65 percent.  

The rain seen in the southeast over the past week was hit and miss, with some areas, such as Radville, getting upwards of 40 millimetres of precipitation, while in the Weyburn area, there was no measurable amount of rain reported by Environment Canada. Despite the varied amount of rainfall, the topsoil moisture levels in the region are said to be in relatively good shape.  

For cropland, topsoil moisture was rated two percent surplus, 89 percent adequate and nine percent short. Pasture land was rated 79 percent adequate, 19 percent short and two percent very short, while Hay land was rated 81 percent adequate, 18 percent short and one percent very short.  

There has been some emergence reported, with farmers reporting it has been uniform throughout the region. The crop conditions overall are rated as excellent to good. Now, producers are starting to take note of concerns that may pop up, with some minor damage due to frost, wind and wildlife being reported. As well, there have been some reports of flea beetles, grasshoppers, cutworms and wireworms. 

Farmers throughout the southeast are hoping the rains will hold off for a few more days to let them get the last bit of seeding taken care of. Then, they would like to see some widespread rain to help with crop development in the region.