Saskatchewan Seeding Progress Around Average

REGINA - Jun 5/14 - SNS -- Seeding has been making good progress in Saskatchewan, though recent rains are slowing farmers down, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report.

As the week got underway, farmers in the provine had planted 78% of all crops, just ahead of the recent five-year average of 76%. Rain continues to delay seeding progress for many producers and warm and dry weather is needed for seeding to be completed.

The southwestern region has 86% of the crop seeded; the west-central region 85%; the northeast 80%; the northwest 76%; the southeast 71%; and the east-central region 67%. So far, farmers have sown 88% of durum and field peas; 84% of spring wheat; 79% of lentils; 76% of canola; 66% of barley; 56% of flax; and 46% of mustard are now seeded.

Across the province topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 19% surplus, 77% adequate and four% short. Hay land and pasture moisture conditions are rated as 12% surplus, 81% adequate, 6% short and 1% very short. The majority of emerged crops are in good condition, although there is some damage from localized flooding, hail, wind and insects such as flea beetles.