CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 8, 2008

Seeding of the 2008 crop is now 99 per cent complete, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.

All regions report 99 per cent seeding completion except the northwest which reports 98 per cent complete. Some farmers may be putting in some green feed in areas where rain was received.

Provincially, spring cereals averaged 54 per cent in the emerging stage, 35 per cent in the tillering stage and one per cent in the jointed stage. Flax crops are 50 per cent in the emerging stage, 27 per cent in the seedling stage and one per cent in the stem extension stage. Canola and mustard crops are 46 per cent in the emerging stage, 36 per cent in the seedling stage, and three per cent in the rosette stage. Pulse crops are 51 per cent in the emerging stage and 46 per cent in the vegetative stage. Fall cereals are 41 per cent in the tillering stage, 28 per cent in the jointed stage, 23 per cent in the shot blade stage and eight per cent in the heading stage. The remainder of all crops are in the pre-emergent stage.

The southwest region received the majority of the rainfall this past week, followed by the east central and the southeast regions. Topsoil moisture improved in the southeast, southwest and east central areas of the province. Provincially, 57 per cent of the crop land and 46 per cent of the hay and pasture land has adequate topsoil moisture.

During the past week gophers, drought and insects (flea beetles, wire worms, cutworms, pea leaf weevils) caused the most crop damage. Other sources of crop damage include frost, wind and disease (tan spot, damping off). Spraying for weed control is underway as weather conditions allow.

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For more information, contact:

Terry Bedard
Saskatchewan Agriculture
Regin
Phone: 306-787-5956
Email: terry.bedard@gov.sk.ca