Saskatchewan farmers made significant strides in the fields last week, pushing seeding progress to 80 per cent complete, up from 52 per cent the previous week, according to the latest provincial crop report released on June 4.
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Despite the rapid advancement for the week ending June 1, overall progress continues to lag behind the five-year average of 91 per cent and the 10-year average of 92 per cent.
The southwest region of the province leads the way with 91 per cent of crops in the ground, followed closely by the west-central region at 90 per cent, the southeast at 87 per cent, and the northwest at 86 per cent.
Seeding in the northeast and east-central regions remains delayed at 67 per cent and 63 per cent complete, respectively.
Pulse crops are the most advanced, with field peas at 96 per cent and lentils at 94 per cent complete. For cereals, durum leads at 90 per cent seeded, while canola tops the oilseeds at 73 per cent.
Rainfall varied across the province, with the Piapot region receiving the highest amount at 60 millimetres. Topsoil moisture levels remain largely stable across cropland, with 82 per cent rated as adequate.
The Ministry of Agriculture reported the majority of emerged crops are in good to fair condition. However, producers are facing delays in herbicide applications due to challenging spraying conditions caused by hot, windy weather.
Wind, heat and gophers have caused minor to moderate crop damage across multiple regions, alongside minor reports of flea beetles, cutworms, and wireworms.
Producers anticipate seeding will wrap up quickly in several regions if weather conditions remain favourable.
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