Winnipeg (CNS Canada) – Farmers in Saskatchewan are starting to make some headway seeding this year’s crop, but a slow start meant that field operations are still delayed across much of the province, according to the latest crop report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

Nine per cent of intended acres were seeded as of May 7, which compares with 11 per cent at the same point a year ago and the five-year average of 19 per cent.

Seeding was farthest along in the southwest, at 18 per cent done, while the southeast was 16 per cent seeded and the remainder of the province was at three per cent.

Strong and warm winds dried fields throughout the province, and many producers will need rain in the coming weeks to help crops germinate and establish, according to the report. Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland were rated as three per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate, 25 per cent short and five per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture was rated as two per cent surplus, 55 per cent adequate, 31 per cent short and 12 per cent very short.

Pasture and hay land growth was described as “slow”, with some cattle producers supplementing feed. Multiple reports of grass and stubble fires due to the dry conditions were noted, and rain would be welcomed to help alleviate concerns.