CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 8, 2007

Crops are generally in good to excellent condition and are at a normal stage of development, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

Approximately 90 per cent of fall cereal crops are reported to be in good to excellent condition, and 92 per cent are at, or ahead of normal development for this time of year. Over 80 per cent of spring cereal crops are in good to excellent condition, and 96 per cent are at, or ahead of normal development. Flax and canola crops are reported to be at 84 and 78 per cent in good to excellent condition respectively. Ninety-six per cent are at, or ahead of normal development. Pulse crops are at least 76 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 95 per cent reported as being at, or ahead of normal development for this time of year.

Topsoil moisture conditions deteriorated from last week. Although some drying of surplus moisture took place in a number of regions, the area of short, to very short topsoil moisture increased. Seventy-three per cent of crop land is rated as having adequate topsoil moisture. Additionally, 70 per cent of hay and pasture land is rated as having adequate topsoil moisture.

A number of areas in the province experienced hailstorms during the past week. While the damage is still being assessed, reports indicate considerable property damage, in addition to crop damage. Early crop damage estimates vary from minimal damage, to 100 per cent. Producers are optimistic that some damaged crops may recover.

The hot weather did allow haying operations to progress. Twenty per cent of the 2007 hay crop has been baled or silaged, with a further 23 per cent lying in the swath. Quality is generally good. Many areas expect to see an average to above average hay crop, except in the southwest where drier conditions will result in a reduced hay yield.

The main sources of crop damage during the past week were hail, disease, drought, heat and gophers.

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For more information, contact:

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