By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan farmers take advantage of dry weather to continue seeding

May 29, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Topsoil moisture is showing a slight decline due to warm and windy conditions. However, it allowed producers to made significant progress again this week, with seeding now 88 per cent complete in Saskatchewan.

This is ahead of the five-year average of 82 per cent and the 10-year average of 85 per cent.

The southwest is the furthest advanced in seeding progress at 95 per cent complete. This is followed closely by the west-central region at 94 per cent, the northwest region at 93 per cent and the northeast region at 92 per cent. The east-central and southeast regions are the furthest behind at 81 per cent and 80 per cent respectively.

Rainfall was variable across the province. The highest amounts were in the Weyburn area at 66 millimetres (mm). The Griffin and Indian Head areas received 20 mm, and the Browning area got 18 mm.

Overall, topsoil moisture is showing some slight reductions over the past week due to dry and windy conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture is four per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate and 27 per cent short.

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Hayland topsoil moisture is two per cent surplus, 59 per cent adequate and 31 per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is very similar with one per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and two per cent very short.

Most producers are reporting normal crop development across the province. Fall cereals are currently rated at 89 per cent normal development for this time of year with seven per cent ahead and four per cent behind normal.

Spring cereals are estimated to be 73 per cent normal with 13 per cent ahead and 14 per cent behind. Pulse crops are rated at 76 per cent normal with 10 per cent ahead and 14 per cent behind. Oilseeds are at 73 per cent normal.

Perennial forage is 79 per cent normal crop development with annual forage at 77 per cent.

Crop damage was minor with a few producers reporting some damage due to heat, wind and dry conditions. Flooding and frost caused minor damage. Flea beetle, wireworm and cutworm activity has been observed, with some producers beginning control measures.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com