CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 4TH

Northwestern and west-central areas welcomed rain toward the end of last week, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

The rain improved deteriorating moisture conditions, particularly in west-central areas. Provincially, approximately 90 per cent of crop, hay and pasture land is rated in adequate topsoil moisture condition.

Warm weather at the beginning of last week helped improve crop development and crop conditions. About 73 per cent of fall cereal crops are reported to be in good to excellent condition, although more than half are behind normal development for this time of year. At least 82 per cent of spring cereal crops are in good to excellent condition, but over 80 per cent are behind normal development. Flax and canola crops are reported to be 69 and 65 per cent in good to excellent condition, respectively, but 84 per cent are behind normal development. Pulse crops are over 75 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 73 per cent reported as behind normal development.

The main sources of crop damage during the past week were grasshoppers and flea beetles. Damage from earlier frosts has become evident in some areas.

The hot weather has also improved the hay crop, although general haying is still a week or two away. About two per cent of the 2004 hay crop has been baled or silaged, with a further seven per cent lying in the swath. Quality is generally expected to be good to excellent.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Bédard Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-5956