CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 22, 2008

In general, crops are at least 50 per cent in good to excellent condition, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.

Provincially, fall cereal crops are reported to be 55 to 70 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 49 per cent of the crops at, or ahead of normal development. Spring cereal crops are 65 to 80 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 37 per cent of the crops at normal development. Flax and canola crops are reported to be 63 and 53 per cent in good to excellent condition respectively and 31 per cent at normal development. Pulse crops are 65 to 75 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 43 per cent reported to be at or ahead of normal development for this time of year.

According to crop reporters, 72 per cent of crop land has adequate topsoil moisture, while 27 per cent of the land has short or very short moisture. Sixty-two per cent of hay and pasture land is rated as having adequate topsoil moisture conditions, with the rest rated as short or very short. The top portion of the west central as well as the northwest regions are currently reported to be the driest areas in the province.

Haying operations on the 2008 crop are just getting underway, with one per cent cut or baled. Hay crops are expected to have below average yields in most areas of the province. In dry areas, producers are not sure if there will be enough crop to cut.

Crop damage came from a number of sources but was relatively minimal across the province with the exception of gopher damage and a heavy hail storm in the northeast.

Farmers were kept busy applying herbicide during the past week.

Please Note: The Ministry will not publish a crop report next week.

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For more information, contact:

Terry Bedard
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956