Yeah, if you're on your second run now and hitting the wall at 5 stars that sounds like you're more or less on pace. The Adventurer Tower is also nifty because every 10 levels you climb you get some stat boosts so it accelerates your breeding program while also being the most efficient action for item drops. Don't neglect the Rituals either (bottom corner, orc face icon), it has some good buffs to accelerate your progress.
EDIT: Also, just try not to die and go as long as you can. Even if you can't capture all the seedbeds, getting to turn 70+ will make your next NewGame+ a lot faster.