By Nigel Maxwell

Farm machinery now in motion

May 12, 2011 | 11:38 AM

It could be a very busy weekend for local farmers.

According to the latest crop report, only one per cent of spring seeding is complete in the northeast and east central parts of the province — compared to the seven per cent, five year average.

The reason for the delay is simple — mother nature.

“Some areas reported rain anywhere up to 20 millimetres. The topsoil moisture is still pretty wet. They are indicating about 61 per cent is still in a surplus condition,” said Grant McLean, with Saskatchewan Agriculture.

McLean said he has heard reports that some localized areas are further along.

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“Many cases it is often more well drained fields that did not get heavy showers. Some of the areas in and around north of Tisdale and south of Nipawin were getting some of those,” said McLean.

Provincially, five per cent of the 2011 crop is seeded. The southeast is the farthest ahead at 13 per cent.

McLean said farmers are very likely looking forward to the hot, dry conditions expected this weekend.

nmaxwell@panow.com