FINAL CROP REPORT, 2006

The 2006 harvest was earlier for Saskatchewan farmers than it has been for the past several years, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's final crop report for the year.

In the central and northern regions of Saskatchewan, spring for some farmers began with harvesting the 2005 crop left out from last fall. In April, precipitation was well above normal in the southern and east central regions of the province. Excessive rainfall continued in eastern Saskatchewan in the latter part of May.

Seeding activity began during the second week in April in the southwest. By the end of May, 80 per cent of the crop had been planted, which compares to the five-year (2001-2005) average. Wet weather in June continued to delay seeding in the east central and northeastern regions. It was estimated that approximately two million acres were not seeded due to saturated field conditions.

Farmers seeded an estimated 33.6 million acres, the least amount of acres seeded since 1999. Hot, dry weather in July and August diminished the yield potential, but pushed crop development ahead.

Harvest proceeded earlier across the province than it has for a few years. Over 40 per cent of the harvest was completed by the end of August. By mid-September, over 90 per cent of the harvest was complete, with the remainder stalled by rain. To date, approximately 500,000 acres have yet to be harvested.

Crop reporters expect that farmers will harvest 24.96 million tonnes of the major grains, oilseeds and specialty crops for the 2006 crop year. The production estimate is two per cent above the 10-year (1996-2005) average of 24.56 million tonnes, and 19 per cent below 2005 production of 30.66 million tonnes.

Quality of the 2006 crop is above average. Downgrading came from insects, hail and weathering in late-harvested crops.

The hay crop was generally good this year. Provincially, the first and second cuts of brome/alfalfa hay on dry land averaged 1.6 imperial tons per acre, above the 10-year average of one imperial ton per acre. Quality was expected to be generally good to excellent. Southwestern farmers experienced below average hay crops due to dry spring soils.

At this time, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food would like to acknowledge its valued crop reporters, who so generously volunteered their time to provide the detailed information used in producing the weekly Crop Report. Their contribution and ongoing commitment is greatly appreciated.

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For More Information, Contact:

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