Saskatchewan farmers made significant seeding progress during the past week.

The latest provincial crop report says 80 percent of the crop is in the ground, up from 51 percent last week.

Provincial crops extension specialist Sara Tetland says seeding is slightly ahead of the five year average of 78 percent.

Crops have started to emerge.

Seeding ranges from 92 percent in the southwest to 69 percent in east-central Saskatchewan.

She says many parts of the province received rain this week, with western areas receiving the most.

The Cando area had the highest amount at 100 millimeters.

While the rain delayed seeding, it was welcome to help support crop and pasture growth.

Windy conditions have continued to dry the topsoil but the showers helped maintain soil moisture.

Topsoil moisture is rated 3 percent surplus, 78 percent adequate, 17 percent short and 2 percent very short.

Cool overnight temperatures have slowed growth in some areas.

Farmers have started post-emergent weed control with most crops at normal stages of development.

Most of the crop damage this week was due to strong winds, light frosts, limited moisture and flea beetles.
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