Record Seeding Progress in Saskatchewan

REGINA - May 8/15 - SNS -- Farmers in Saskatchewan have planted 14% of this year's crops, according to the latest crop progress report from Saskatchewan Agriculture Crop Report, well ahead of the recent 5-year average of 2%.

Farmers made record progress seeding this year's peas, lentils, mustard and canola. So far, 32% of the field peas have been seeded, along with 29% of the lentils, 33% of the mustard, 25% of the durum and 8% of the spring wheat and canola

Mos of the progress has been in the southwest where dry weather allowed farmers to plant 34% of the 2015 crop. In the rest of the province, seeding has started for most farmers. In the southeast, producers have 14% seeded; west-central producers have 8% seeded; northwestern producers 7%; east-central producers 3% and northeastern producers 2%. In some areas of the province, spotty rain showers throughout the week have caused some delay in seeding.

Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 16% surplus, 74% adequate and 10% short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 8% surplus, 75% adequate, 14% short and 3% very short.