CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING MAY 18, 2008

Saskatchewan farmers now have 56 per cent of the 2008 crop planted according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.

The five-year (2003-07) average is 50 per cent of the crop planted at this time. The southeast is furthest advanced with 70 per cent seeded, followed by the southwest with 68 per cent seeded. The northwest is least advanced at 39 per cent seeded due to a later start date in this region.

To date, 82 per cent of the peas are planted; 70 per cent of the lentils; 68 per cent of the durum; 59 per cent of the spring wheat and 54 per cent of the canola.

A week of minimal rainfall, warm temperatures and winds has deteriorated topsoil moisture. The areas that received moisture last week saw it evaporate with the windy conditions. Crop reporters rate 50 per cent of crop land and 38 per cent of the hay and pasture land as having adequate topsoil moisture.

Rain in this upcoming week will be critical for emerging crops and hay and pasture land.

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For more information, contact:

Terry Bedard
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956