Wet Weather Delayed Seeding

REGINA - May 13/10 - SNS -- Wet weather during the past week delayed seeding across much of Saskatcheasan, according to the provincial agriculture department's latest crop report.

So far, only 5% of all crops have been planted, well below the recent 5-year average of 24% in the ground by the middle of May and down from 23% at this time last year. The south west and south east regions have 7% and 6% of the crop seeded, respectively.

This is the slowest seeding has advanced since 1996, when just 0.9% of the crop was in the ground by the 12th and just 5.9% by the 19th. Even so, seeding wrapped up more quickly in 1996 than was the case in either 2004 or 2006, making it clear farmers can accomplish a great if the weather cooperates.

Rain and snow passed through most the province during the past week. Heavy rain and snow was reported in areas in the south west region. A few days of good drying weather is needed to get most farmers back in the field. Farmers in the north west region have been able to seed in some areas for the past week with no weather disruptions.

Across the province, topsoil moisture conditions remain relatively unchanged from last week. On crop land, topsoil moisture is rated as 35% surplus, 64% adequate, 1% short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as 19% surplus, 77% adequate and 4% short.