CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 24, 2005

Warm, dry weather this past week has advanced crop development and haying operations across the province, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay and pasture land continue to be generally adequate across the province, although the areas of short and very short moisture have increased from last week. Many areas are looking for a final rain to fill the crops.

Fall cereals are reported to be rated more than 90 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 83 per cent at normal development. Spring cereals are reported to be 90 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 79 per cent at normal development. Oilseed crops are reported to be 86 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 15 per cent behind normal. Pulse crops are about 90 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 10 per cent of the crop behind normal development.

Haying operations made good progress during the past week, with 54 per cent of the first-cut hay crop baled or put into silage. This percentage is ahead of last year's progress.

Pasture conditions have declined somewhat since the end of June, with 82 per cent of reporters rating pastures as good to excellent, compared with 98 per cent giving that rating in June.

Livestock water supplies were similar to the end of June, with 100 per cent reporting adequate supplies.

Wind was the main source of crop damage and crops are lodging around the province. Other sources of crop damage during the past week were flooding, hail, heat and drought stress, disease, insects and gophers.

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For More Information, Contact:

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