May 25, 2009

Rain and snow hampered canola planting across western Canada, according to the Canola Council of Canada's crop update for the week ended Thursday (May 21).

 

In Manitoba, soil moisture is bordering on excess in many areas. Rainfall during the reporting period was quite general with most parts receiving one to two inches. However, some areas of the southwest received as much as four inches. In the northwest, some areas had eight to 12 inches of snow, the CCC said.

 

An estimated 15 percent to 20 percent of Manitoba's intended canola crop is in the ground, the report estimated.

 

In Saskatchewan, the eastern side of the province is experiencing adequate moisture conditions with many areas receiving rainfall or snow during the week. The western half of the province is dry and many parts are in need of moisture.

 

Early seeded crops are emerging but are patchy. Additional moisture is needed for more even emergence, the CCC said.

 

No precipitation was received in the dry pocket around Unity, Kerrobert, Kindersley, and Rosetown. The report noted that producers were seeding canola into dust or has stopped seeding until moisture conditions improve.

 

Overall, about 50 percent of the canola crop has been planted in Saskatchewan.

 

In Alberta, soil moisture conditions are variable, ranging from excess to dry. In the extreme southwest, fields are wet and very little seeding has occurred. Snow during the reporting period fell west of highway 2 so conditions remain relatively dry in the southeast.

 

In the Peace River Region, wet snow has halted field operations but brought needed moisture to both southern and northern areas.

 

Overall, about 55 percent to 70 percent of the canola crop has been seeded in Alberta.

 

The CCC said a significant amount of the acres intended for canola is expected to be seeded within the next week to 10 days, That depends on whether weather and soil moisture conditions.