Special Crops in Good Condition

REGINA - Jun 6/06 - SNS -- Specialty crop seeding is nearing completion across Saskatchewan, though persistent rainfall is keeping growers out of fields in the northern part of the crop production area.

Progress is uneven across the province suggesting most of this year's chickpeas and lentils have been planted, while progress remains difficult mustard and field pea growers in the eastern and northern parts of the province. The provincial agriculture department reckons 98% of all crops are in the ground in southwestern Saskatchewan, compared to 73% in the northeast and 77% in east central crop districts.

Across the province, pulse crop development was rated normal by 71% of reporters, with 19% rating development as behind. Flooding caused the most damage to crops during the past week. Other sources of crop damage included wind, drought, hail, insects (flea beetles, cut worms, wire worms, aphids), disease (tan spot, rust), and gophers. Spraying for weed control is underway as weather conditions allow.

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