CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 19 TO 25, 2011

There are a few localized areas in the province where producers have started field work, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report.

However, due to the excess moisture, the majority of Saskatchewan's producers are at least two weeks away from seeding. A few areas in the southwest, west-central and northwest have dried up enough for producers to start harrowing, picking rocks, applying fertilizer and controlling weeds. There have been only a few reports of seeding to date.

The majority of crop reporters are indicating fields are still very wet. Warm days with some wind will be needed before fields can support machinery. Very little precipitation has been recorded in the province during the past two weeks, which has helped in getting producers closer to field operations.

All crop reporters are indicating adequate livestock water availability. Fifty-five per cent of the crop reporters have indicated excellent to good pasture conditions, while 45 per cent are reporting fair to very poor conditions. Due to the late spring, growth in the pastures is slow. In many areas both pasture and crop land are flooded or inaccessible.

Farmers are busy calving, cleaning seed, preparing machinery and checking fences.

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For more information, contact:

Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592