Winnipeg, May 19 – Saskatchewan farmers are making quick work of seeding, with 51 percent of crop in the ground as of May 16, according to the latest provincial report from Saskatchewan Agriculture.
That is well ahead of the five-year average of 28 percent complete at this time of year.
Some producers have already wrapped up seeding, while others will need another couple weeks of warm and dry weather, the report said.
Seeding was most advanced in the southwest, at 70 percent complete. The northeast has the most to go at only 29 percent finished.
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On a crop-by-crop basis, 84 percent of the field peas, 80 percent of the lentils, 78 percent of the chickpeas, 63 percent of the durum, 57 percent of the mustard, 51 percent of the spring wheat, and 39 percent of the canola were seeded as of May 16.
Recent rain helped topsoil moisture conditions improve in many areas. However, some areas in the province will need rain in the coming weeks to help crops germinate and emerge.
Cropland topsoil moisture was rated as six percent surplus, 77 percent adequate, 13 percent short, and four percent very short.
Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture was rated as three percent surplus, 71 percent adequate, 21 percent short, and five percent very short.
Frost struck some areas during the week, but damage appeared to be minimal as most vulnerable crops had not yet emerged, said the report.
