SEEDING PROGRESS BEING MADE

Saskatchewan farmers have planted 28 per cent of this year's crop,

according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.



Last week, 18 per cent of the crop was seeded. The five-year

(1994-98) average is 61 per cent. Last year at this time, 93 per cent

of the crop had been planted.



Seeding operations made the most headway across the northern

grainbelt, with 41 per cent of the crop planted, up from 21 per cent

complete last week. The northwest reports up to 47 per cent complete.



The southern grainbelt now reports 26 per cent planted, up from 19 per

cent last week. The southwest reports up to 77 per cent complete.

The central grainbelt reports 24 per cent complete, up from 15 per

cent last week. West central regions report up to 40 per cent

planted.



Field peas and lentils continue to lead the way in area planted, with

53 per cent and 42 per cent respectively. Mustard, spring wheat, and

durum are all over 30 per cent planted, with canola at 27 per cent

planted. Early seeded crops are emerging in many areas.



Though less rainfall was received in most areas compared to the

previous week, cloud and showers continued to dominate the weather

scene. Localized hail was reported in southeastern, south central,

east central, and west central areas. Frost was reported in

southwestern, east central, west central, and northwestern areas, with

damage to canola and forage crops reported in the northwest.



Fall seeded crops generally look good, though some fields in the

southeast are beginning to yellow from excessive moisture.



Topsoil moisture conditions on crop land are rated as good to

excessive. Excessive topsoil moisture conditions are located

mainly on the eastern side of the province, though not restricted

to that area. Topsoil moisture conditions on hay and pasture

land are generally reported as good. Some excessive areas of

topsoil moisture are reported mostly in southeastern and east

central regions; while fair conditions are reported in south

central, southwestern, west central, and north central areas.



As the calendar moves towards the end of May, many farmers are

becoming concerned about their inability to plant their crops due

to wet field conditions. There will be some changes in seeding

plans, such as switching to Polish from Argentine canola, and

moving from specialty crops to cereal crops.



Weeds are becoming a real problem as the weather hampers control

activities. Spraying is underway where possible.



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For more information, contact:



Terry Karwandy

Agriculture Economist

Statistics Branch

Agriculture and Food

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5956