CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 9TH, 2006

Saskatchewan farmers are planning to seed 34.6-million acres, which is two per cent above the 10-year average of 33.9-million acres, and is two per cent below last year's 35.3-million acres, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's first weekly crop report for 2006.

Summerfallow area is estimated to increase approximately 600,000 acres from 2005 to 6.9-million acres, and it is 17 per cent below the 10-year average.

Crops that could show increases in acreage seeded from last year include spring wheat, oats, triticale, peas and chickpeas. Crop reporters indicate that there is still a lot of uncertainty about seeding plans and seeding intentions could still change. Statistics Canada will release the results of their seeding intentions survey on April 25th.

According to Saskatchewan Watershed Authority's April 2006 report, in the grainbelt region, winter precipitation totals generally vary from below normal in southern areas to well above normal in central and northern areas. Runoff is generally finished across the southern and western areas of the province. High flows are currently being experienced in central areas (Davidson – Outlook) causing water to flow over some roads and flooding of some agricultural lands. North central and north eastern areas still remain snow covered, and these areas are expected to experience a significant runoff this spring.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Bedard Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5956 Email: tbedard@agr.gov.sk.ca