Saskatchewan Seeding 70% Complete

VANCOUVER - Jun 2/11 - SNS -- Wet fields and more rain events in eastern and southern Saskatchewan made it hard for farmers in the province to make as much progress seeding this year's crops as they had hoped, with the result the percentage of intended crop planted advanced to just 70% complete as of the end of May, up from 59% at this time last year, but down from the recent five-year average of 81% complete by this time of year.

By contrast, Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report notes, "Significant seeding progress was made in western and northern regions during the past week. Producers in the eastern and southern regions made very little progress as the weather and field conditions continue to be a challenge. The majority of the southern and eastern regions are dealing with very wet soil conditions and flooding. Since April 1 st, 2011, many areas have recorded over eight inches of rain, with some areas reporting over 10 inches of rain.

"The southeast is reporting 32% seeded, the southwest and east-central are reporting 64%, the west-central 92%, the northeast and northwest are reporting 93% seeded. Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 35% surplus, 57% adequate and 8% short."

Beyond the problems getting this year's crops planted, the provincial agriculture department says crops are developing more slowly than normal. As June got underway, 67% of the oilseeds, spring cereals, and pulse crops were behind normal in development. The majority of crops that have emerged are in fair to good condition.