Early weed pressure is resulting in herbicide burn-off being implemented in most districts. The biggest cropping concern of the week for the region has been the additional moisture further delaying seeding. Eastern Region Unsettled weather brought showers and poor drying conditions last week. Moisture conditions vary greatly from one district to another, and as a result seeding progress is also variable. Seeding is further advanced on the lighter soils.
Germination appears even, except on heavy soils where water is ponding.
Weeds are actively growing, and many perennials such as quackgrass, curled dock and dandelion are prevalent. Producers are becoming concerned that potential yield is being lost the longer seeding is delayed. Interlake Region Warm weather allowed for the restart of seeding operations in certain parts of the region late in the week, but rain and high winds on the weekend again put a halt to most operations. In the Ashern area this has resulted in overland flooding of cropland and forage fields, while in the Fisher Branch area excessive moisture has prevented any seeding from occurring. Cattle in these areas continue to be fed on pasture or in over-wintering areas due to wet forage fields.