MOISTURE CONDITIONS CONTINUE TO IMPROVE ACROSS GRAINBELT

Most of the province has good to very good soil moisture as of May 1st, 2003, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay, and pasture land were generally reported as adequate. Some southern and central areas continue to report surplus topsoil moisture. However, northern precipitation levels have improved only slightly. The northwest region of Saskatchewan still has some pockets where the stubble subsoil moisture remains fair to poor.

Farmers have now seeded about three per cent of the 2003 crop. The crop most often reported being seeded is peas, but there are also reports of canola, lentils, durum, barley, and spring wheat being seeded. Field conditions are still too wet in some southern and central areas, and too cool in northern areas.

Many areas reported frost this past week and there is some concern that it damaged alfalfa. Field work is continuing as weather and ground conditions permit.

Farmers made good headway in clearing away the 2002 crop. Many crop reporters tell of combining and baling of the unharvested crop from 2002. Quality is variable, though yields and grades generally deteriorated over the winter.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Karwandy Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-5956 Email: tkarwandy@agr.gov.sk.ca