Spring seeding in Saskatchewan is making considerable progress so far, 18 per cent of the 2025 crop is in the ground, well ahead of the five-year average of 10 per cent typically seen at this point in the season.
This is despite numerous rainstorms across the province last month, producers were able to make rapid progress over the last couple of weeks.
The southwest region has made the largest amount of progress so far, with 43 per cent seeded and the first crops beginning to emerge. Steady progress has also been made in the northwest and southeast regions, sitting at 15 and 14 per cent completed, respectively.
Seeding completion in the west-central region is reported at 11 per cent, and both the east-central and northeast regions currently sit at nine per cent complete.
Leading the pack for seeding completion are pulse crops, with 34 per cent of lentils seeded, field peas at 31 per cent, and chickpeas at 28 per cent. In the realm of cereal crops, durum seeding provincewide is 33 per cent complete, followed by triticale at 31 per cent, barley sits at 19 per cent, and spring wheat with just 13 per cent of this year’s crop in the ground. Oats and canary seed are both reported at four per cent complete at this point.
Oilseed progress is led by mustard at 21 per cent complete, with canola at 10 per cent, and flax at six per cent. Reports indicate that perennial forage is currently five per cent seeded, and there are no reports of soybean seeding completion.
The rapid progress of field operations in Saskatchewan was driven in no small part due to limited rainfall to start the season, although the Alida area saw the most rainfall at 16 millimetres (mm) with Lafleche in second place at 12 mm.
Producers report that topsoil moisture levels are adequate overall, there are some regions experiencing considerably drier conditions. A three per cent surplus in topsoil moisture is reported in cropland, 78 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short, and three per cent very short.
One per cent of hayland is rated at a surplus, 71 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short, and six per cent as very short. Pasture topsoil moisture levels are reported at one per cent surplus, 68 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short, and eight per cent very short.
Livestock producers are hoping for more moisture in the coming weeks to bolster water supplies and pasture conditions for the season going forward. When spring runoff was reported late last month, provincial data indicated levels were 30 per cent below normal, 55 per cent normal, and 15 per cent above normal.
The amount of runoff, as indicated by 76 per cent of crop reporters, would be sufficient to replenish dugouts and waterbodies in their region. However, in the southwest, 52 per cent suggested the amount of runoff may not be sufficient.
Reports regarding pasture conditions from late April hint that six per cent of pastures are in excellent condition ahead of the season, 42 per cent reported to be in good condition, 36 per cent as fair, with the remaining 13 and three per cent reported as poor and very poor, respectively.
As the above normal temperatures continue so does the rapid progress, with seeding, pre-seed spraying for weed control, harrowing and rock picking all underway. Calving is keeping many livestock producers occupied, with some producers finishing up for the season.
Cattle continue to be moved out to pasture, necessitation inspection and fence maintenance.
Producers are being reminded to be safe as the spring progresses and keep an eye out for overhead powerline and other hazards while undergoing field activities and moving equipment.