CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2006

Eighty-five per cent of the 2006 crop has been harvested, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

This is well ahead of the five-year (2001-05) average of 44 per cent combined, and 22 per cent lying in the swath, or ready to straight combine.

Combining progress is furthest advanced in the southwest where 96 per cent of the crop has been taken off, followed by the southeast where 90 per cent of the crop is off. Combining is least advanced in the northeast with 75 per cent of the crop taken off.

Yield estimates to date indicate slightly below average production for 2006. However, crop reporters estimate that over 90 per cent of the spring wheat will fall into the top two grades. Downgrading of crops was the result of wheat midge and weathering, with wind and drought being the main sources of crop damage during the past week.

Seeding of fall crops is underway, and earlier seeded crops have emerged. The biggest factor limiting seeding of fall crops is lack of moisture. Fall field work is also being hampered by dry soil conditions.

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For More Information, Contact:

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