CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 20TH

A cool, cloudy week with showers has brought good soil moisture to many areas across the province, but has slowed crop development in others, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Showers at the beginning of last week provided good moisture for some areas, particularly in the west central and northwest regions. However, in general, cool conditions are delaying crop development. Across the province as a whole, crop conditions are reported as good to excellent for at least 74 per cent of all crops, with the exception of winter wheat and flax crops.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop land improved during the past week, with 71 per cent of reporters indicating adequate moisture compared to 60 per cent last week. All regions of the province have adequate or surplus moisture, with the exception of an area around Leader which is short of moisture. Areas with surplus moisture are more concentrated in the south east, but also exist in the east central, northeast and south central regions.

The main sources of crop damage during the past week were flooding, insects (flea beetles and grasshoppers), and frost. Last week, frost was reported in many regions across the province.

Crop development continues to be slow with 80 per cent of reporters indicating that crop development is behind normal. The southeast region is the furthest behind normal, according to 93 per cent of reporters.

Haying operations are just getting underway, with one per cent of the 2003 hay crop cut.

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For More Information, Contact:

Gary Coghill Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-5978