CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 4TH, 2006

Saskatchewan farmers have now seeded 88 per cent of the 2006 crop, down from the five year average of 93 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

The southwest continues to be the most advanced with 98 per cent of the seeding completed, while the northeast continues to be the least advanced with 73 per cent completed. The east central region has 77 per cent of the crop seeded. A number of rural municipalities in these areas report less than half of the crop has been seeded due to saturated fields.

Across the province, spring cereal development was rated normal by 68 per cent of reporters, with 21 per cent rating development as behind schedule. Oilseed development was rated as normal by 68 per cent of reporters, with 26 per cent of crop reporters rating development as behind. Pulse crop development was rated normal by 71 per cent of reporters, with 19 per cent rating development as behind. Sixty-one per cent of reporters rated fall cereal development as normal, while 33 per cent rated development as ahead of normal.

Over 75 per cent of all crops were rated in good to excellent condition.

Flooding caused the most damage to crops during the past week. Other sources of crop damage included wind, drought, hail, insects (flea beetles, cut worms, wire worms, aphids), disease (tan spot, rust) and gophers. Spraying for weed control is underway as weather conditions allow.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

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