CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 1ST, 2005

Saskatchewan farmers have seeded three per cent of the 2005 crop, compared to the five-year (2000-04) average of two per cent planted at this time, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

Nine per cent of the crop is planted in the southwest, four per cent is planted in the southeast, and one per cent is planted in the central grainbelt region.

Most areas of the grainbelt received trace amounts of rain and snow this past week, but very little measurable precipitation. Topsoil moisture conditions are reported as adequate across the majority of the grainbelt. Some areas are experiencing drying caused by the winds.

The May 1st, 2005 Stubble Subsoil Moisture Map shows improvement from November 1st, 2004 because of winter snowfall and spring rains. Most of the grainbelt is in good to excellent subsoil moisture conditions. Pockets of dry areas remain scattered from the northwest to the southeast.

Cool weather this past week halted field work across the province. Some pre-seeding fieldwork was completed, and it is expected that a return to warmer temperatures will bring a flurry of field work and seeding activity.

Some farmers continued with combining, baling, and burning of the 2004 crop that was left in the field over winter.

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For More Information, Contact:

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