CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 10, 2005

Hot weather helped improve crop conditions and further crop development stages, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

Topsoil moisture conditions improved from last week with areas of surplus moisture being reduced on hay, pasture and crop land.

Regarding crop development stages, crop reporters estimate that spring cereals are 25 per cent heading. Flax crops are at 21 per cent flowering; canola and mustard crops are at 70 per cent flowering; and pulse crops are at 64 per cent flowering. Forty-three per cent of fall cereal crops are at the dough stage.

Haying operations are making progress in and around weather delays. Six per cent of the first cut hay crop has been baled or put into silage, and an additional 19 per cent has been cut. The progress is similar to the same time period in 2004.

Diseases were the main source of crop damage, and fungicide application was underway in many areas. Other factors causing crop damage include flooding, hail, insects, wind, and gophers.

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For More Information, Contact:

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