CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 6TH, 2006

Farmers have four per cent of the 2006 crop combined, compared to one per cent of the crop combined at this time last year, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

A further seven per cent has either been swathed or is ready to be straight combined. Some harvest activity has taken place in all regions of the province and in all crops, except sunflowers.

Fall cereals are reported to be 75 per cent in good to excellent condition. Spring cereals are reported to be 56 per cent in good to excellent condition. Oilseed crops are reported to be 56 per cent in good to excellent condition. Pulse crops are 51 per cent in good to excellent condition.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay and pasture land improved in central and northern regions during the past week, but deteriorated in the south.

First-cut haying operations are nearing completion with 95 per cent baled or put into silage. Some areas have begun a second cut, although three-quarters of the reporters do not expect a second cut of hay.

Desiccation on pulse crops is underway. Some areas of the province are looking for a rain shower to help finish off crops. Other areas indicate that a rain now will not help the crops and could reduce quality.

Hot, dry conditions were the main sources of crop damage during the past week. Many crop reporters indicate that yields will be somewhat reduced due to the heat. Insect damage came from bertha armyworms, wheat stem maggot, cabbage worms, wheat midge, aphids, grasshoppers, flea beetles, Lygus bugs, diamond back moth larvae and sawflies. Disease pressures came from rust, ascochyta blight, anthracnose and mildew. Other sources of crop damage during the past week were hail, wind and gophers.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Bedard Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5956 Email: tbedard@agr.gov.sk.ca