CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 15, 2007

Saskatchewan farmers are planning to seed 34.1 million acres, which is slightly below the 10-year (1997-2006) average of 34.3 million acres, and one per cent above last year’s 33.6 million acres, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s first weekly crop report for 2007.

Summerfallow area is estimated to decrease three per cent from 2006, to 7.65 million acres, which is five per cent below the 10-year average.  Crops that may show increased seeded acreage over last year include: durum, oats, barley, triticale, canola, mustard, peas, canary seed and chickpeas.  Crops that are expected to show acreage decreases include: spring wheat, flax and lentils.  Crop reporters indicated that, given that there is uncertainty about seeding plans, seeding intentions could still change.  Statistics Canada will release the results of its seeding intentions survey on April 24.

According to Saskatchewan Watershed Authority’s April 2007 report concerning the grainbelt region, winter precipitation totals generally vary from below normal in west-central areas, to well above normal in central and northern areas.  Mild and record high temperatures during March melted much of the snow-pack in areas south of a line extending from Yorkton to just north of Saskatoon and across to Lloydminster.  The areas to the north of this line are expected to have an above average run-off.

The weekly crop report, compiled by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, is based on estimates received from the provincial crop reporters.

Full details of the Crop Report are available on the SAF website www.agr.gov.sk.ca/statistics  under the heading "Crops".

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For more information, contact:

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