CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 1, 2008

Saskatchewan farmers have seeded 97 per cent of the 2008 crop, up from 86 per cent the previous week and ahead of the five-year (2003-2007) average of 86 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop land improved in the southeast during the past week. Other areas of the province either remained at similar conditions to last week or became drier. Crop reporters rated 44 per cent of crop land as having adequate topsoil moisture, compared to 48 per cent last week. For hay and pasture land, reporters rated 31 per cent as having adequate moisture, down from 39 per cent the previous week.

Rain is critical in many areas for plant growth and development. Close to half of all crops are rated at below normal development for this time of year.

Provincially, 51 per cent of the fall crops, 50 per cent of the spring cereals, 41 per cent of the oilseeds and 55 per cent of the pulse crops are rated as being at normal development for this point in the season.

Reporters rated the following percentages of emerged crops in good to excellent condition: sunflowers - 72 per cent; triticale - 67 per cent; fall rye, spring wheat, oats, and peas - 63 per cent; durum, barley - 61 per cent; lentils - 58 per cent; canary seed - 53 per cent; canola - 48 per cent; winter wheat - 45 per cent; chickpeas - 44 per cent; mustard - 43 per cent, and flax - 41 per cent.

Frost was the main source of crop damage during the past week. Other sources included wind, drought, gophers, flea beetles, cutworms, wire worms and water fowl.

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For more information, contact:

Terry Bedard
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956