CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 12, 2008

Saskatchewan farmers have harvested 97 per cent of the 2008 crop, up two per cent from the previous week's harvest, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.

Last year, harvesting progress stood at 96 per cent. The five-year average (2003-07) is 92 per cent harvested.

The northeast remains furthest along at 99 per cent complete, followed by the southwest and west central regions with 98 per cent harvested. The northwest has the most crop left to harvest, but is still reporting 91 per cent complete.

Rainfall at the beginning of the week delayed harvesting and fall field work, but brought needed moisture to some areas. Two-thirds of the crop land is reported as having adequate topsoil moisture, up from less than half last week. Some eastern areas received snow on Sunday, October 12 - those moisture amounts will be captured in the final crop report.

During the past week unharvested crops, as well as emerging fall-seeded crops, were damaged by wind, rain and frost. Reporters raised concerns with sprouting and bleaching. Migratory waterfowl and wild game also caused some crop damage.

Reporters indicated producers are busy spraying, fertilizing, hauling bales, picking rocks and doing other fall work.

This is the last weekly crop report for the 2008 season. The final crop report will be released on October 29, 2008.

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For more information, contact:

Terry Bedard
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956