CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 16 TO 22, 2009

Most areas in the province received rain over the past week, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.

On average the southeast received 24 mm of rain; the southwest 16 mm; the east-central regions 32 mm; the west-central regions 37 mm; the northeast 26 mm and the northwest 53 mm.

Provincial topsoil moisture conditions have improved overall since last week's report. Cropland topsoil moisture is reported as two per cent surplus, 77 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short and three per cent very short. Hay land and pasture moisture conditions are reported as 68 per cent adequate, 28 per cent short and four per cent very short. While the recent moisture is welcome, reports are indicating that some hay stands may not recover from the lack of moisture and cool spring.

Crop conditions have generally improved since last week's report. Winter wheat is reported as 81 per cent fair to good. Wheat is reported as 86 per cent fair to good. Canola is reported as 80 per cent fair to good, and 16 per cent poor. Peas are 89 per cent fair to good.

On average, 65 per cent of fall-seeded crops are behind normal in development. Eighty per cent of spring cereals and 83 per cent of oilseeds are behind normal. Seventy-one per cent of pulse crops are behind normal in development.

The majority of crop damage can be attributed to dry conditions, flea beetles, grasshoppers, gophers and hail. Downpours in some areas caused flooding, which damaged some crops. Cutworms are showing up in large numbers in the northeastern part of the province.

Haying operations have yet to begin in the province.

Farmers are busy controlling weed and gophers and scouting crops.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592