CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 20, 2007

Saskatchewan farmers have planted 64 per cent of the 2007 crop, ahead of the five-year average (2002-06) of 56 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s weekly crop report.

The southwestern part of the province is furthest advanced with 81 per cent seeded, followed by the west central region with 75 per cent seeded.  The northeast is least advanced at 35 per cent seeded.  Crops are emerging across the province.

Reporters rate 80 per cent of crop land as having adequate topsoil moisture, similar to last week’s report.  Northern areas continue to report the wettest topsoil at this time.  Crop reporters indicated that 79 per cent of hay and pasture land have adequate topsoil moisture, which is also similar to last week’s report.

Producers in the southern areas of the province welcomed rainfall that has continued into the new week.  Producers in the wetter, northern parts of the province received additional precipitation at the end of the week, with some precipitation in the form of snow.  This exacerbates the situation for these producers who were already dealing with excess moisture from 2006, and the 2007 spring run-off.  Several frosts throughout the week did varying damage – more so in northern areas.

Gophers, wire worms and flea beetles were the most common pests damaging emerging crops in the province last week.

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For more information, contact:

Terry  Bedard
Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956