CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 23 TO 29, 2009

Sixty-four per cent of the crops across the province are in good condition, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report, although the majority are behind normal in development.

Crop conditions across the province have improved since last week's report. Winter wheat is reported as 56 per cent good and 37 per cent fair condition. Wheat is 51 per cent good and 36 per cent fair condition. Canola is reported as 43 per cent good and 42 per cent fair. Peas are 55 per cent good and 33 per cent fair.

On average, 58 per cent of fall-seeded crops are behind normal in development. Seventy-three per cent of spring cereals and 80 per cent of oilseeds are behind normal. Sixty-eight per cent of pulse crops are behind normal in development.

Provincial topsoil moisture conditions have declined overall since last week's Crop Report. Cropland topsoil moisture is reported as 61 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hay land and pasture moisture conditions are reported as 49 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Scattered showers were experienced in some areas of the province. Parts of the west-central district are still in severe need of moisture and the lack of moisture has stunted some crops in the area. Other regions in the province also need rain.

Pastures are being reported as 27 per cent in good condition, 43 per cent in fair condition, and 27 per cent in poor and very poor condition.

The majority of crop damage continues to be caused by dry conditions. Grasshoppers and gophers are also causing damage. Cutworms are still evident in the north. Ninety-six per cent of the hay crop is still standing.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 694-3592