CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER 21 TO 27, 2010

Warm and sunny weather allowed for significant harvest progress this past week for Saskatchewan producers, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report.

Twenty-nine per cent of the 2010 crop has been harvested, an increase of 11 per cent over last week. The good harvest weather has producers back in the fields, trying to bring the crop in as quickly as possible.

An additional 44 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-combine. The five-year provincial average (2005 to 2009) for this time of year is 75 per cent combined.

Harvest progress was made in all crops. Significant combining progress was seen in fields of canola, mustard, lentils, field peas, winter wheat and barley.

Combining progress across the province during the week of September 21-27 was as follows:

• Southwest, 36 per cent;
• Southeast, 31 per cent;
• West central, 20 per cent;
• East central, 29 per cent;
• Northwest, 25 per cent; and 
• Northeast, 32 per cent.

Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 49 per cent surplus and 51 per cent adequate. Hay and pasture-land topsoil moisture is rated as 27 per cent surplus and 70 per cent adequate.

The majority of crop damage is a result of the rain and frost over the past couple of weeks. Lodging, flooding, bleaching and sprouting are causing crop damage as well. Cranes and geese are also causing damage to some crops.

Pasture conditions are similar to a month ago and are rated as 40 per cent excellent, 49 per cent good, nine per cent fair and two per cent poor. Ninety-eight per cent of livestock producers have adequate water supplies for their livestock.

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For more information, contact:

Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592
Email: grant.mclean@gov.sk.ca