HARVEST PROGRESS SLOWED BY WEATHER

Saskatchewan farmers had combined 30 per cent of the 2000 crop before rain

showers and damp, cool weather stopped harvesting operations in many areas,

according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report. This

compares to 19 per cent harvested last week and is slightly behind the five-

year (1995-99) average of 34 per cent.



Harvest operations continue to be furthest advanced across the southern

grainbelt with 40 per cent harvested. On average, the central grainbelt has

completed 29 per cent of the combining, while the northern grainbelt has

completed 18 per cent. Southwestern areas are up to 80 per cent complete,

while northwestern areas only report an average of six per cent complete.



With 21 per cent of the spring wheat harvested across the province to date, 79

per cent is expected to grade No. 1 Canada Western (CW), 18 per cent 2 CW and

three per cent 3 CW. The 10-year average (1990-99) is 55 per cent 1 CW.



Wind was the main source of crop damage across the province during the past

week, causing lodging of crops, scattering of swaths, and shelling ripe crops.

Frost was the second most mentioned source of crop damage. While the extent of

the damage to crops in the east central and northeast grainbelt is not known at

this time, many expect downgrading of quality and negative effects on yields of

less mature crops.



Pasture conditions are reported to be in generally fair to good condition.

Pastures in poor condition are found mainly in western areas. Livestock water

supplies are reported to be poor in the southwest.



Seeding of fall crops is under way in the southern and central grainbelts. In

the southwest, seeding is being hampered by grasshoppers and very dry

conditions, while in the east central area, seeding is being hampered by wet

field conditions.



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For more information, contact:



Terry Karwandy

Agriculture Economist

Statistics Branch

Agriculture and Food

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5956