Released on June 4, 2007
Saskatchewan farmers have seeded 85 per cent of the 2007 crop, which is up from 75 per cent the previous week but below the five-year (2002-2006) average of 91 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.
Crops are generally emerging well. Approximately 75 per cent of crops that have emerged are rated in good to excellent condition.
There was limited progress made with fieldwork in many areas of the province due to wet and/or windy weather. Crop reporters indicated seeding plans may change, as seeding operations were again delayed by rain. All eastern crop districts in the province show less seeding progress than at this time last year.
Topsoil moisture conditions on crop land improved in most areas of the province. Crop reporters rated 18 per cent of crop land as having surplus topsoil moisture, compared to 23 per cent last week. Reporters in the northeastern part of the province rated 64 per cent of the crop land in a surplus topsoil moisture situation, as compared to 83 per cent last week; and east central reporters rated one-third of crop land in their area as having surplus topsoil moisture, down from 37 per cent a week ago. As a whole, 80 per cent of the province's crop land has adequate topsoil moisture. For hay and pasture land, reporters rated 83 per cent as having adequate moisture, up from 77 per cent last week.
Flooding was the main source of crop damage during the past week. Gophers, flea beetles, cutworms, wire worms, leaf diseases and wind also contributed to crop damage.
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For more information, contact:
Terry Bedard
Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956