CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 23TH

Saskatchewan farmers have seeded 68 per cent of the 2004 crop, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 65 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Seeding progress ranges from 76 per cent in the northern region and 72 per cent in the central region to 51 per cent in the southeast. Rainfall has slowed seeding activity in most southern regions.

Precipitation amounts averaged 29 mm in the southeast and 25 mm in the southwest, with many areas receiving more than 50 mm. East-central regions averaged 16 mm, while west-central regions received an average of 3 mm. Northern regions received only trace amounts of precipitation.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop land vary across the province. With the recent rainfall, improvement has occurred in the south, while west-central and northwest regions continue to report low topsoil moisture.

Topsoil moisture conditions on hay and pasture land are rated adequate or surplus by 55 per cent of crop reporters. Once again, the west-central and northwest regions are most in need of additional moisture.

Cool weather across the province has resulted in slow grass growth on hay and pasture land.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Gary Coghill Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-5978