Saskatchewan Seeding Underway

REGINA - May 5/22 - SNS -- Saskatchewan farmers have only begun seeding this year's crops because of delays caused by cool and wet conditions resulting from an early spring snowfall event, according to the the provincial agriculture department.

As a result only 1% of all crops have been planted as of May 2, compared to the five year average of 5% sown by the end of April. Modest progress was reporting seeding pulse crops. with 2% of the intended lentil area and 4% of the peas now in the ground, well below 15% and 23% respectively last year.

Saskatchewan Agriculture said, "Very little precipitation was reported in the past week, which will allow fields to dry up enough for seeding to begin in regions where it was previously too wet.

"Topsoil moisture for cropland, hay and pastureland is still less than ideal for proper seed germination and pasture growth. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 5% surplus, 55% adequate, 26% short and 14% very short."

The agriculture department noted that spring runoff for the province has slightly improved compared to last year.

There have been reports of winterkill on winter wheat, fall rye and other fall seeded crops; producers are busy assessing the damage and determining whether to reseed. The hardest-hit areas are in the southwest where snow cover was not adequate enough to protect the crop. Producers who are not able to seed are waiting for their fields to dry and preparing their equipment while others who can be in the field are spreading fertilizer and applying herbicides.