SIGNIFICANT SEEDING PROGRESS MADE

Saskatchewan farmers have 68 per cent of the 1999 crop planted,

according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

At the beginning of last week, only 28 per cent of the crop was in the

ground.



Wind and sunshine allowed Saskatchewan farmers to make excellent

seeding progress during the past week. However, planting is still

behind the five-year (1994-98) average of 85 per cent seeded at this

time. Last year 98 per cent of the crop was planted.



Western and northern districts have over 70 per cent of the crop

planted. Seeding continues to be slow in the southeast where only 15

to 40 per cent of the crop is planted, and in the east central region

where 50 to 55 per cent of the crop is planted. Some farmers in these

areas have been unable to start seeding due to saturated field

conditions. Unfortunately rain on the weekend in the southeast has

added to the delays.



Farmers are expected to start opting for crops that need a shorter

growing season or are more frost tolerant. This will result in fewer

acres to durum and specialty crops and more acres in spring cereals or

summer fallow. Pockets may need to be re-seeded as soil crusting has

caused emergence problems.



Topsoil moisture conditions are generally reported as good across

the province an improvement from last week when more soils were

reported in an excessive moisture state. Reports of excessive

topsoil moisture conditions on crop land continue, mainly in

southeastern and east central regions. The strong winds that

helped to dry out some of the saturated eastern fields are drying

out topsoil in other areas of the province, mostly across the

northern grainbelt.



Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture conditions are also

generally rated as good, though the winds are beginning to dry

out topsoil in pockets throughout the province. Pastures

themselves are generally rated as good to excellent, quite a

turnaround from last year at this time. Sunshine should improve

most of those rated in fair condition, mainly across the northern

grainbelt.



Emerging crops are generally reported to be in good shape, though

many are infested with weeds. Weed control efforts are taking

place as weather conditions permit. Fall rye is reported to be

heading out in the southwest. Winter wheat is reported to be

growing well.



Insects are beginning to make their appearance. Spraying for

flea beetles is taking place in southeastern, west central, and

northeastern areas. Grasshoppers are appearing in south central

and west central areas. Blackflies are a problem for cattle in

the southeast.



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For more information, contact:



Terry Karwandy

Agriculture Economist

Statistics Branch

Agriculture and Food

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5956