CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 12TH

This week, farmers made the best week over week harvest progress so far this season, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Seventy-six per cent of the 2004 crop has been harvested, behind the five-year (1999-2003) average of 91 per cent. The west central region is furthest along at 89 per cent complete. The southeast is least advanced with 67 per cent combined. Winter wheat, fall rye, pea, lentil, barley and mustard crops are all more than 80 per cent combined. Overall, the crop is expected to be below average for quality.

Winds and frosts again caused the majority of the crop damage during the past week. Migrating water fowl continued to damage crops. Grasshoppers continued to cause damage to emerging fall-seeded crops.

Some regions expect to finish harvest in the coming week, while others could need at least until the end of October. Those that have finished harvest have begun fall work, including straw baling, hauling bales and fertilizer application and harrowing.

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For More Information, Contact:

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