SEEDING PROGRESS IN LINE WITH FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE

Fifteen per cent of the 1999 crop has been planted which is consistent

with the five-year (1994-98) average, according to Saskatchewan

Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.



The southern grainbelt continues to be furthest advanced at 19

per cent complete, with the southwest reporting over 60 per cent. The

northern grainbelt reports 13 per cent seeded, with north central

areas reporting 18 per cent. The central grainbelt reports 12

per cent seeded, with west central areas reporting 20 to 30 per cent.

Seeding activity is occurring in all crops, except sunflowers, with

the most activity in field peas, lentils, durum, and mustard.



Topsoil moisture conditions on crop land deteriorated slightly across

the province during the past week (May 2-8), with drying winds in some

areas. Precipitation that began early in the current week (May 9-15)

should assist in improving topsoil moisture and allow producers who

delayed oilseed planting operations to resume seeding.



Topsoil moisture conditions on hay and pasture land also deteriorated

slightly during the past week. The current precipitation should

alleviate most topsoil moisture concerns.



Pasture conditions are generally rated as fair to good across the

province. Recent rains and warm weather have combined to result

in excellent pasture conditions in pockets throughout the

province. Some northwestern, north central and southeastern

areas still report poor pasture conditions. Cattle are being

moved out to pasture as conditions permit. Warm weather would

help eastern pastures, while more rain would help improve western

pastures.



Weeds continue to appear in many areas. The winds last week

caused topsoil crusting and erosion and hampered fieldwork

operations across the province. Localized frost damaged some

newly emerged annual crops and some perennial forage crops in the

central grainbelt.



- 30 -

For more information, contact:

Terry Karwandy

Agriculture Economist

Statistics Branch

Agriculture and Food

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5956