CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 16th

Farmers plan to make no major changes to seeded acreage this spring, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's first weekly crop report for 2004.

The total forecast seeded area of 35.1-million acres is five per cent above the 10-year (1994-2003) average of 33.4-million acres, and level with last year's 35.1-million acres. Summerfallow area is estimated to increase about three per cent from 2003 to 6.7-million acres, but is 30 per cent below the 10-year average.

Acreage for all crops is expected to increase or remain steady, with the exception of spring wheat, durum, field peas, and chickpeas.

Winter precipitation varied from above normal in southern areas to well below normal in west central areas. Spring runoff is complete in many areas of the province. The slow early melt combined with a continuous freeze-thaw cycle ensured high infiltration amounts into the soil.

Runoff levels varied throughout the province. In the northwest and southwest areas, runoff ranged from near normal to below normal. Runoff is not over yet in northeast and east-central areas, but is expected to vary from below normal to near normal. High soil absorption and evaporation losses resulted in minimal runoff throughout the south-central, southeast, central, and west-central areas.

Seventy four per cent of livestock feed grain and forage supplies are reported in a carry over position. However, northwestern and west-central regions report inadequate supplies.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Bedard Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-5956