CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 11TH, 2006

Provincial seeding progress is reported as 94 per cent complete, up from last week's figure of 88 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

Seeding progress ranges from 99 per cent complete in the southwest part of the province, to 81 per cent complete in the northeast. Some rural municipalities in east central and northeastern regions reported less than 50 per cent seeded. It's expected that very little additional seeding will occur this spring due to the recent rainfall.

Seeding and spraying operations were slowed in the province due to rainy weather this past week. Rainfall averages for the period of June 4th to June 10th, 2006, ranged from 40 mm in the southwest to 21 mm in the northwest. Individual amounts of up to 82 mm of precipitation were reported.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop lands were reported as generally adequate on the western side of the province, and surplus on the eastern side.

Across the province, spring cereal development was rated normal by 69 per cent of reporters, while 23 per cent rated development as behind. Oilseed development was rated normal by 70 per cent of reporters, while 26 per cent of reporters rated development as behind. Pulse crop development was rated normal by 73 per cent of reporters, while 19 per cent rated development as behind. Fifty-eight per cent of reporters rated fall cereal development as normal, while 33 per cent rated development as ahead of normal.

At least 80 per cent of all crops are rated in good to excellent condition, a slight improvement from last week's ratings.

Flooding was the main source of crop damage during the past week, and was reported in all regions of the grainbelt. Weeds, insects (flea beetles, cutworms, wire worms), disease (leaf diseases, ascochyta blight, root rot), and gophers were the cause of more isolated sources of crop damage.

Weather conditions are hampering weed control.

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For More Information, Contact:

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