Seeding is underway in the province as local producers get a start on the new growing season. The first crop report of the year shows things are slightly behind schedule but nothing to be concerned about.

The main focus has been the dry conditions that we experience last summer followed by a lack of moisture this winter. Provincial officials are reporting that most of the province is at a high risk for wildfires and a very large area is under an extreme risk, including Moose Jaw.

Crop Extension Specialist Daphne Cruise says we could certainly use some rain but we can get by with what we have for now. "Most producers have indicated that we have adequate  moisture to get the crop in, germinated and up and going."

"Especially around Moose Jaw in the heavy clay, we can get away a bit longer without a rainfall because we have that moisture retention potential."

But as soon as that crop is in the ground, Cruise says the rain will be needed to sustain the crop through the growing season. While rain has appeared in the forecast a number of time this spring, we have yet to receive anything more than just a few drops.