Saskatchewan Seeding May Not Finish

REGINA - Jun 17/10 - SNS -- Seeding of this crops inched forward during the past week, with deadlines for planting crops in order to qualify for crop insurance looming around Saskatchewan, reports the provincial agriculture department in its weekly crop progress report.

Only 73% of the crop was in the ground as of June 14, as most farmers have struggled to get the 2010 crop in the ground due to rain. Excess moisture and flooding in many areas have left fields unable to support equipment. More rain is forecast for the end of the week, which will reduce the chances of seeding progressing any further, Saskatchewan Agriculture said.

Seeding is 90% complete in northwestern Saskatchewan; 88% complete in southwestern Saskatchewan; 87% complete in west-central Saskatchewan; 75% complete in southeastern Saskatchewan; 56% complete in east-central Saskatchewan, and 50% complete in the northeast. Within regions, seeding progress is even more variable, with some crop districts reporting 99% of seeding is complete while other districts have only 31% of the crop seeded.

Across the province, cropland topsoil moisture remains virtually unchanged from last week at 55% surplus and 45% adequate. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as 33% surplus and 67% adequate.

Only 59% of the province's fall-seeded cereals are at a normal stage of development, but 77% of the spring-seeded cereals, 78% of the oilseeds and 67% of the pulses are behind normal in development.

Roughly 75% of the winter wheat is in good to excellent condition, compared to 49% of the spring wheat, 62% of the durum, 45% of the oats, 46% of the barley, 37% of the flax, 38% of the canola, 59% of the mustard, 60% of the lentils, 61% of the peas, 41% of the canaryseed and 58% of the chickpeas are in good to excellent condition.