Seeding progress has doubled in Saskatchewan thanks to relatively good conditions, according to the latest crop report from the agriculture ministry.

Seventy per cent of the crop is now in the ground, up from 35 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year seeding average of 55 per cent for this time of year.

The southeast region is the most advanced with 82 per cent of the crop seeded.  Seventy-seven per cent is seeded in the northeast, 72 per cent in the southwest, 66 in the west-central region, 65 per cent in the northwest and 53 per cent in the east-central region, the report says.

Rainfall was reported in some areas, ranging from trace amounts to 28 mm in the Biggar area.  

The crop report notes that most of the province remains in need of rain to replenish the topsoil as warm temperatures and strong winds continue to dry fields. However the report was published on Thursday before the rain that fell in the Humboldt area.

Crops are slowly emerging but are mostly in good condition despite damage from strong winds and lack of moisture.  The majority are either at or behind normal developmental stages for this time of year, the report says.