CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 22, 2005

Saskatchewan farmers have now seeded 71 per cent of the 2005 crop, ahead of the five-year (2000-04) average of 67 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

The southwest is the furthest advanced at 81 per cent and the northwest least advanced at 56 per cent. Only crop districts in the southeast near Estevan and in the northwest near Lloydminster report less than 50 per cent seeded.

A welcome rain delayed seeding operations and fieldwork in most areas of the province this past week.

With this rain, topsoil moisture conditions improved significantly in many areas of the province. Almost 82 per cent of reporters say that topsoil moisture conditions are adequate on crop land, compared to 64 per cent last week. Topsoil moisture on hay and pasture land is rated as adequate by 85 per cent of crop reporters, compared with 52 per cent last week. The rain is reported to have greatly improved pastures and hay crops.

A return to warmer temperatures with less wind will enable farmers to finish seeding and resume other fieldwork.

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For More Information, Contact:

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