CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 21ST, 2006

Saskatchewan farmers have seeded 64 per cent of the 2006 crop, ahead of the five-year average of 58 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

The southwest area of the province is furthest advanced at 84 per cent, and the northeast is least advanced at 43 per cent. Crop Districts in east-central and northeast Saskatchewan report less than 50 per cent seeded. Early-seeded crops are emerging in all areas of the province.

Topsoil moisture conditions improved in the central and northern grainbelt and deteriorated in the southern grainbelt. Two-thirds of reporters say that topsoil moisture conditions are adequate on crop land, similar to last week. Almost one-quarter of reporters rate topsoil moisture on cropland as short or very short. Sixty-three per cent of reporters rate topsoil moisture as adequate on hay and pasture land, lower than last week.

Drying conditions are helping central and northern farmers to finish the 2005 harvest and to get the 2006 crop seeded. However, some farmers in those areas are still getting stuck with seeding and harvesting equipment.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Bedard Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5956 Email: tbedard@agr.gov.sk.ca