The 2019 crop in Saskatchewan is now mostly in the ground – but soil and moisture conditions are creating issues for ag producers.

According to the ministry of agriculture’s crop report for the period ending May 27, ninety-two per cent of the crop has been seeded across the province, an increase from 73 per cent last week.

There were some amounts of rain over the province but topsoil conditions are deteriorating due to strong winds and a lack of moisture. Rain will be needed to help crops emerge and for hay and pasture land to establish.

Across the province, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 32 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 20 per cent very short. On hay and pasture land, it’s rated as 25 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 28 per cent very short.

Also, hay and pasture growth has been slow because of the lack of rainfall, These pasture conditions are rated at 17 per cent good, 37 per cent fair, 32 per cent poor and 14 per cent very poor.

Crop growth is delayed in the province, the ministry says, in part due to the lack of moisture, frost, strong winds, hail in some areas, and flea beetles and cutworms.

In-crop pesticide applications will be beginning for farmers after seeding is complete.