CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 6, 2007

Saskatchewan farmers have seeded 10 per cent of the 2007 crop, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s weekly crop report.

The five-year (2002-06 inclusive) average shows 10 per cent of the crop being planted at this time.  Currently, 22 per cent of the crop is planted in the southwest, 16 per cent is planted in the southeast, seven per cent is planted in west central regions and less than five per cent is reported as planted elsewhere.

Topsoil moisture conditions were reported as adequate on three-quarters of the grainbelt.  While areas of surplus moisture are slowly decreasing, northeastern regions still report more than 70 per cent as surplus.  There are some areas of short topsoil moisture in the southern and central grainbelts.

The May 1, 2007 Stubble Subsoil Moisture map shows an improvement in stored soil water over much of the area south of the Highway 1.  However, pockets of very dry, to dry areas still remain.  Generally, good to very good subsoil moisture is reported north of the Highway 1.  For areas with excess topsoil moisture refer to the weekly crop land topsoil moisture map.  Rain over the weekend in the southeast region also improved subsoil moisture conditions this past week.

Across the province, three per cent of the winter wheat and two per cent of the fall rye were reported as winterkilled.  Many farmers reported damage came from spring flooding.
 
The strong winds caused some soil erosion in the southern regions of the province and delayed spraying operations this past week.

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For more information, contact:

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