CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 9TH, 2004

Saskatchewan farmers now have 19 per cent of the 2004 crop planted, well ahead of the five-year average of 13 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food, and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Seeding is most advanced in the southwest, where 37 per cent of the crop has been planted. Farmers have seeded 24 per cent of the crop in the southeast, and 19 per cent of the crop in the west-central region. All other regions report less than 10 per cent of the crop now in the ground.

Reporters indicate that a return to warmer temperatures along with general rains will provide better seeding conditions.

Aside from spotty improvement in the central grain growing region, overall topsoil moisture on crop land has not changed in the past week. The topsoil situation on hay and pasture land deteriorated in parts of the province with reporters indicating that about 20 per cent of hay and pasture land has adequate topsoil moisture conditions.

Across the province, 19 per cent of winter wheat and 10 per cent of fall rye were reported as winterkilled. Some farmers reported damage due to windy conditions this spring.

Warmer temperatures and precipitation are needed to encourage grass and hay growth and replenish diminishing feed supplies.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

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