CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 27, 2007

Saskatchewan farmers have seeded 75 per cent of the 2007 crop, just slightly behind the five-year (2002-06) average of 77 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

The west central region is furthest advanced at 89 per cent, while the northeast is least advanced at 40 per cent. Early-seeded crops are emerging in all areas of the province.

Topsoil moisture conditions improved in southern and west central regions last week, but deteriorated in northern and east central regions. Crop reporters stated that 74 per cent of crop land has adequate topsoil moisture conditions, down from last week's estimate of 80 per cent. Twenty-three per cent of crop land is rated as having surplus topsoil moisture; east central reporters rated almost 40 per cent of crop land in a surplus situation, while north eastern reporters rated over 80 per cent of crop land in surplus topsoil moisture condition. Provincially, reporters rated 76 per cent of hay and pasture land in an adequate topsoil moisture situation.

Pasture conditions have improved since the end of April, with over 85 per cent of the reporters rating pastures in their area as good to excellent. Livestock water supplies are generally adequate across the province, having improved somewhat since the end of April. Localized areas in the south continue to report inadequate supplies of livestock water.

For southern and some central areas, last week's rain was very welcome, replenishing topsoil moisture and improving hay and pasture land. Farmers in the northeast are looking for dry conditions so they can complete their seeding in a timely manner. The northeast received an average of 38 mm last week, with rainfall amounts of up to 76 mm reported in the region.

Frost was reported in many areas of the province, although the amount of damage is still undetermined.

-30-

For more information, contact:

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