The latest crop report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is in, and seeding has progressed nicely over the last week or so. A nine per cent raise has occurred from the week prior and 38 per cent of seeding is now completed province wide, well ahead of the five-year average of 22 per cent.

The southwest region is leading the province, with 56 per cent of the crop seeded. 44 per cent of crops are seeded in the southeast, 34 per cent in the northwest, 24 per cent in the east-central and 22 per cent in the northeast region.

Meanwhile here in the west central region, 35 per cent of the crop is now seeded, well above the five year average of 11 per cent. Mainly field peas, lentils, wheat and barley have been seeded so far with a portion of producers holding off on seeding canola until some rainfall is received.

The weather has been cool and windy throughout the week and very little precipitation was reported. The Kindersley area received one mm of rain while no other area reported precipitation. Fire bans have been declared in several rural municipalities of the region and producers are reminded to remain vigilant to power line locations and sparking machinery. 

Livestock water supply shortages are largely moderate with worsening shortages anticipated if the current dry trend continues.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 13 per cent adequate, 57 per cent short and 30 per cent very short. Hay and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as nine per cent adequate, 50 per cent short and 40 per cent very short.

Along with seeding, producers are harrowing, rock picking and rolling fields.