PRE-SEEDING FIELD WORK SLOWED BY RAIN

After more rain and snow this week, topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay and pasture land are generally adequate across the province according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Areas of surplus moisture are in the east central region and across the southern grainbelt. Areas of less moisture are mainly in the northwest.

Pasture conditions are generally reported as fair to excellent, with some pockets of poor and very poor conditions reported around the province. In a number of areas the weather has not yet been warm enough for strong grass growth.

Pre-seeding field work was well underway this past week, but was halted due to rain and snow in some areas. While a few individual RMs report up to 15 per cent seeded, many areas have not yet begun seeding due to wet and/or cold field conditions. Less than one-half of one per cent of the 2003 crop has been planted.

Peas and forages are most commonly reported as seeded so far. Farmers not engaged in seeding are picking rocks, harrowing, fertilizing, applying chemicals, and burning straw.

Livestock water supplies are generally adequate, with the exception of some localized areas in west central, north eastern regions and the northwest.

A number of farmers were able to get some combining or baling of the 2002 crop done last week. Quality and yields are generally down from last fall. Some problems are reported with mould, wildlife, and insect damage.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Karwandy Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-5956