WINNIPEG — Farmers in Saskatchewan are making good seeding progress this year, with 34 percent of the 2015 crop planted as of May 11, according to the latest weekly report from Saskatchewan Agriculture.
The seeding pace compares with the five year average of only nine percent complete, and the year ago level of seven percent seeded.
Producers in the southwest part of the province were farthest ahead, with 61 percent of the crop seeded. The northeastern part of Saskatchewan was the farthest behind, at only 13 percent complete.
Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland were rated as 10 percent surplus, 76 percent adequate and 14 percent short. Hayland and pasture topsoil moisture was rated as six percent surplus, 74 percent adequate, 16 percent short and four percent very short.
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Moisture conditions vary throughout the province, with parts of the southwestern and west-central regions in need of more precipitation to help the crops get started, according to the report. Meanwhile, some areas in the southeast and in the east-central region still have surplus moisture.
Cool weather has resulted in slow emergence of crops, with some farmers reporting frost damage to emerged crops and alfalfa.
