CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING JULY 3, 2005

Thunderstorms and rainy weather in many areas caused more flooding and surplus moisture conditions, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

The rain caused increased surplus moisture conditions in most areas, particularly in the southeast where soils are already saturated. Provincially, more than 40 per cent of crop land is rated in surplus topsoil moisture condition.

Cool and wet weather has hampered crop development. However, a majority of the crop is in good to excellent condition. Of fall cereal crops, 92 per cent have reported to be in good to excellent condition, with 83 per cent at or ahead of normal development for this time of year.

At least 87 per cent of spring cereal crops are in good to excellent condition, with 62 per cent at or ahead of normal development.

Flax and canola crops are reported to be 83 and 82 per cent in good to excellent condition, respectively, with 64 per cent at or ahead of normal development. Pulse crops are more than 82 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 29 per cent reported as behind normal development.

The main sources of crop damage during the past week were flooding and hail.

Producers made little haying progress this week because of the cool, wet weather. Producers have cut 2.5 per cent of this year's hay crop up, from one per cent last week. Quality is generally expected to be good to excellent although the rainfall this past week decreased the quality of the hay which had already been cut.

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For More Information, Contact:

Gary Coghill Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5978