CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2006

Harvest operations were stalled mid-way through the week in most regions of the province as a result of rain, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

Ninety-one per cent of the 2006 crop has been harvested, up from 85 per cent last week. This is considerably ahead of the five-year (2001-05) average of 52 per cent harvested. Harvesting is furthest advanced in the southwest where 97 per cent of the crop is off, and is least advanced in the northwest where 84 per cent of the crop has been taken off.

On a provincial basis, the winter wheat and fall rye harvest is complete, and the pea, lentil, and triticale harvest is nearing completion. Sunflower, flax and canaryseed crops are less than three-quarters complete.

Over 90 per cent of the barley has been harvested. Crop reporters expect that 43 per cent of the barley crop will grade malt, 46 per cent will grade 1 CW and the remainder will grade 2 CW. The 10-year crop report average is 30 per cent malt, 49 per cent 1 CW, and 21 per cent 2 CW.

Rain, snow and wind caused the majority of crop damage during the past week. While most areas of the province were either dry or drying out and therefore benefited from the moisture, the central and northern areas needed another week of dry weather to work on harvest. Central and northern areas averaged over 65 mm of rain, and will require warm, drying weather to resume harvest operations.

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For More Information, Contact:

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