CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 13TH, 2006

Eight per cent of the 2006 crop has been combined and 14 per cent has been swathed, or is ready to straight combine, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

These figures are ahead of the five-year (2001-05) average of two per cent combined, and five per cent swathed or ready to straight combine at this time of year.

Harvest operations were most advanced in the southwest, where 23 per cent of the crop has been combined. This is followed by the southeast, with 10 per cent combined. The winter wheat crop is 76 per cent combined, fall rye is 66 per cent combined, peas are 38 per cent combined and lentils are 31 per cent combined.

Yield estimates have been revised by crop reporters. They are slightly lower than two weeks ago, reflecting some loss due to the hot, dry weather.

Ninety-six per cent of the first-cut hay crop, and 14 per cent of the second-cut has been baled, or put into silage. Quality is generally expected to be good. Over half of the crop reporters do not expect a second cut of hay in their district.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay and pasture land improved from last week, and are reported as adequate by approximately 40 per cent of reporters. The southern regions of the province report the highest percentage of very short moisture conditions.

Insects, wind, drought and hail were the main sources of crop damage during the past week.

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For More Information, Contact:

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