CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2 TO 8, 2011

Warm and sunny conditions in most regions of the province have allowed Saskatchewan livestock producers to make good haying progress. Ninety-one per cent of the hay crop is cut. Seventy-nine per cent of the hay crop has been baled or put into silage, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.

Haying progress varies across the province, ranging from 96 per cent cut (southwest) to 77 per cent cut (northwest). Ninety-five per cent of the hay crop is cut in the east central and west central regions, 91 per cent in the northeast region and 89 per cent in the southeast region.

Eighty-eight per cent of the hay crop has been baled or put into silage in the southwest and east central regions, 85 per cent in the west central, 81 per cent in the southeast, 79 per cent in the northeast and 47 per cent in the northwest.

Eighty-seven per cent of the hay crop is rated as good to excellent in quality, 12 per cent is rated as fair and one per cent is reported as poor quality.

Less than one per cent of the provincial crop has been combined. Two per cent of the 2011 crop has been swathed or is ready to straight combine. The five-year (2006-2010) provincial average for this time of year is three per cent combined. Across the province, three per cent of the lentils, one per cent of the field peas, 12 per cent of the winter wheat and five per cent of the fall rye has been combined. Two per cent of the canola and one per cent of the mustard has been swathed.

The majority of crop damage is due to hail, wind, insects and disease. Severe hail storms and heavy rain were reported in some areas of the province damaging crops and buildings.

Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as seven per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate and 13 per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short and one per cent very short.

Farmers are busy haying and getting ready for harvest.

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For more information, contact:

Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592