Slow Start in Eastern Areas Drag on Saskatchewan Seeding Pace

Cold weather and spring snowstorms in the more eastern regions have put early Saskatchewan seeding well behind the average five- and 10-year pace. 

The first weekly crop report of the season on Thursday pegged overall planting in the province at 9% complete as of Monday. That compares to the five- and 10-year averages of 23% and 22% and matches 2018 as the slowest start for this time of year. 

Seeding is the most advanced in the Northwest region, where 17% of the crop was in as of Monday. The West Central and Southwest regions were close behind at 14% and 13% complete, respectively. The Northeast was at 7% done as of Monday – which is ahead of normal – with the Southeast and East-Central regions bringing up the rear at 3% done each. 

Seeding progress is slower in the eastern regions where snowfall was heavier and water in fields is taking longer to disappear. On the other hand, producers in the Southwest and West Central regions are already raising concerns about how dry their fields are and are hoping for a good soaking rain once most of the seeding is finished