Saskatchewan Seeding Pushes Forward

REGINA - May 23/14 - SNS -- Seeding of all crops in Saskatchewan is now 22% complete, up from 7% last week, but behind the recent five year average of 29% sown by the third week of May.

Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report noted that last weekend's rainfall stopped field work in some areas but most producers were back in the field later in the week. Current weather forecasts call for some shower activity in parts of Saskatchewan on the weekend and rain in many areas on Monday and Tuesday. Though excellent seeding progress was likely made in recent days, next week could be slower.

The provincial agriculture department said seeding is most advanced in southwestern Saskatchewan with 39% of the crop seeded. The west-central region has 29% seeded; the southeast 19%; the northwest 17%; the east-central region 12%; and the northeast 9%.

Provincially, 49% of the field peas have been seeded; 41% of the lentils; 32% of the durum; 20% of the spring wheat; 18% of the canola; 17% of the mustard; 10% of the barley; 7% of the chickpeas; 6% of the flax; 5% of the oats and canary seed; and 1% of the soybeans.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 20% surplus, 78% adequate and 2% short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 11% surplus, 85% adequate and 4% short.