Seeding more than half done in Saskatchewan, but still behind schedule

Seeding operations in Saskatchewan made significant progress over the past week, but they remain behind average.

According to the weekly crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture, 52 per cent of the 2022 crop is now seeded, up from 33 per cent last week. But the five-year average for this time of year is 78 per cent.

Farmers in the west-central region of the province are the farthest along with 81 per cent of the crop in the ground. Seeding in the northwest is 76 per cent complete, the southwest is at 73 per cent, the southeast is at 44 per cent, the northeast is 22 per cent complete, and the east-central region is at 21 per cent.

The eastern part of the province got the most rain during the week, improving soil moisture levels in those areas.

Cropland topsoil moisture now is rated as 15 per cent surplus, 58 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Topsoil moisture in hay and pasture land is rated as six per cent surplus, 63 per cent adequate, 20 per cent short and 11 per cent very short.

Pasture conditions are rated as 10 per cent excellent, 27 per cent good, 36 per cent fair, 16 per cent poor and 11 per cent very poor.

Dry conditions and cool weather during the week has slowed the development of many crops, with the report saying canola crops are rated as 67 per cent behind.

Some crops also have been damaged by minor flooding, light frosts, drought conditions and flea beetles.