CROP REPORT FOR WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14th, 2003

Cooler and wetter conditions slowed harvest in Saskatchewan last week, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Crop reporters indicate that 89 per cent of the crop has been combined, and another one per cent is being used for alternative uses such as livestock feed. Last year, 29 per cent of the crop had been combined while the five-year (1998-2002) average is 61 per cent combined.

Combining progress is furthest advanced in the southeast where 95 per cent of the crop is in the bin, followed by the southwest at 94 per cent. Combining is least advanced in the northwest at 71 per cent.

The week's precipitation improved topsoil moisture across the province. On crop land, 47 per cent of reporters rate moisture as very short, compared with 74 per cent last week. On hay and pasture land, 53 per cent rate topsoil moisture as very short, compared to 80 per cent last week.

The main sources of crop damage during the past week were wind, insects, and weathering. Some seeding of fall crops is underway though many producers are waiting for more moisture before starting fall field work.

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For More Information, Contact:

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