Seeding is becoming more general across Saskatchewan, but progress is behind the five-year average due to the later start.

The weekly provincial crop report indicates nine per cent of seeding was done, as of Monday. That’s not far behind the 11 percent at this time last year. The five-year average is 19 percent seeded.

Seeding is furthest advanced in the southwest at 18 per cent. The southeast checks in at 15 percent and the rest of the province is in the three per cent range.

Provincial topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as three percent surplus, 67 percent adequate, 25 percent short and five per cent very short.

The provincial numbers for hay land and pastures are two percent surplus, 55 percent adequate, 31 percent short and 12 percent very short.

Crops extension specialist Shannon Friesen says the southeast is the driest region.

“Right around that Moose Jaw-Regina area and heading down to Weyburn and the U.S. border.”

While topsoil moisture conditions are better in central and northern areas, rain will be needed in the coming weeks to help crops germinate and establish.

A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online at http://publications.gov.sk.ca/redirect.cfm?p=89917&i=106737.