Seeding Advances Faster Than in 2020

REGINA -May 6/21 SNS -- Seeding is underway in western Canada, with initial progress for most crops ahead of this time last year, judging from available provincial data.

The numbers suggest around 24% of this year's intended field peas area has been planted as of May 3, compared to 35% at the same time last year; while lentils seeding progress has likely reached 15% across western Canada, almost double 8% at this time last year.

Saskatchewan Agriculture says progress for all crops is ahead of the recent five year average, with 9% in the ground, compared to 7% last year and 6% during the previous five years.

The southwest region is leading the province, with 19% of the crop seeded. There is 11% seeded in the southeast, 6% seeded in the west-central, 5% seeded in the east-central, 5% seeded in the northwest and 2% seeded in the northeast.

Topsoil moisture is below normal levels in most areas of the province, with cropland topsoil moisture rated as 1% surplus, 41% adequate, 44% short and 14% very short. The implication is timely rains will be needed in many areas to ensure proper germination and initial crop development.