Thanks to another week of relatively good conditions, 91 per cent of the crop is now in the ground.  This is up from 70 per cent last week and remains well ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 81 per cent for this time of year.
 
"Luckily this year, despite us having dry field conditions, we've certainly been able to make great strides simply because we've had few delays," noted Shannon Friesen, a Cropping Extension Specialist with Sask Agriculture.
 
The southwest region is the most advanced with 95 per cent of the crop seeded.  Ninety-three per cent is seeded in the southeast, 92 per cent in the west-central region, 90 per cent in the northwest, 87 per cent in the northeast and 86 per cent in the east-central region.
 
Ninety-eight per cent of lentils, 94 per cent of durum, 92 per cent of spring wheat, 90 per cent of soybeans, 88 per cent of canola, 85 per cent of barley and 84 per cent of flax have now been seeded.
 
"In the last week, it went up 11 percent in terms of seeding progress (in the southeast). What's typically left out there will be some of the cereal crops, even some of the canola, and even some of the soybeans as well. Fortunately, that area has received a little bit of rain over the last week, but of course, once it dries up a little bit I'm sure producers will back in the field."
 
Scattered rain showers brought varying amounts of rain this past week, helping to temporarily alleviate concerns of dry field conditions.  Rainfall ranged from trace amounts to 72 mm in the Humboldt area with many areas reporting about 25 mm or less.  While significant rain is still needed in the majority of the province to help crops emerge and hay land and pasture establish, some areas in the northeast have excess moisture.
 
Topsoil moisture conditions have slightly improved with recent rainfall.  Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on crop land are rated as one per cent surplus, 51 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 12 per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 38 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 18 per cent very short.
 
Overall, emerged crops are in poor-to-good condition, but emergence has been patchy and delayed by dry field conditions.  The majority of crop damage this past week was caused by strong winds, lack of moisture and insects such as flea beetles and cutworms in canola.  Localized hail was also reported in some areas.
 
Friesen added that there is also concern among hay producers, as their land will need timely rains frequently throughout the summer to grow.
 
Farmers are busy finishing up seeding, picking rocks and starting in-crop pesticide applications.
 
SaskPower says there were 15 reported cases of farm machinery contacting electrical equipment in the last week.  That brings the total for May to 143.  Most farm-related incidents happen during seeding.  SaskPower reminds producers to be aware of their surroundings at all times and plan ahead.