CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2003

Dry, hot weather continued to drive the 2003 harvest forward last week with 60 per cent of the crop now in the bin, and a further 26 per cent of the crop lying in swath compared to the five-year average of 34 per cent complete for this time of year.

Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report indicates that harvest operations in the southwestern area of the province were most advanced at 73 per cent complete, followed closely by southeastern and west central regions at 69 per cent.

Havesting of fall-seeded crops is nearly finished, with both winter wheat and fall rye at 99 per cent and 94 per cent complete respectively. Peas and lentils are close behind at more than 90 per cent combined. Harvesting of canola is 40 per cent completed, while spring wheat and durum are at 63 per cent and 71 per cent. Oats are reported at 39 per cent complete, barley at 64 per cent and flax at 11 per cent.

A slight increase in topsoil moisture this week is attributed to some spotty showers in some areas of the province. Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay, and pasture land all demonstrated small improvements this week when compared to last week's figures. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as very low by only 64 per cent of reporters which was down from last week's 76 per cent. Reports of very low topsoil moisture on hay and pasture land were at 71 per cent this week which is also down from 85 per cent last week.

Heat and drought stress were the major source of crop damage during the past week followed closely by insect and wind damage. Grasshopper and sawfly damage was reported frequently across the province.

Provincial crop production estimates for the major grain, oilseed and specialty crops continue to be in line with the August projection of 20 million tonnes. Final production estimates will be provided as part of the year-end crop report to be completed later this month.

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For More Information, Contact:

Laurel Pilsner Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-6806 Email: lpilsner@agr.gov.sk.ca