With cool and cloudy weather, along with some rain fall, seeding has yet to begin in southeast Saskatchewan. In the last week, an average of 4 mm of precipitation fell, ranging from a low of less than 1 mm reported in Crop District (CD) 1, to a high of 8 mm reported in CD 3ase. The RM of Weyburn received a total of 8 mm.

Fifty-five percent of crop land is reported to have adequate topsoil moisture in the southeast, while 44 per cent is reported to be in a short to very short topsoil moisture condition. For hay and pasture land, 39 per cent is reported to be adequate topsoil moisture while 60 percent is reported to have short or very short topsoil moisture.

More rain is needed in many areas to ensure crop germination and growth. Dugouts are low and some cattlemen are expecting to be short of water this summer. Most southeastern reporters indicated a carry-over of livestock forage and feed grains exists, though some indicated that supplies were inadequate.

Shortages of a number of crop inputs have been reported, including chemicals, innoculant, seed and fertilizer. Many farmers may have to change seeding plans if they are unable to secure the input supplies they require and the prices of inputs continue to be raised as a concern.

Farmers are preparing for seeding season by getting machines ready, attending auction sales, cleaning grain, calving cows and hauling grain.