Crop Report for the Week of August 29, 2004

Rain and cool weather continued to hamper harvest activities last week, with areas in the southwest, east central and northeast receiving more than 50 mm of rain, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Farmers have combined two per cent and swathed 10 per cent of this year's crop, well below the five-year average of 26 and 24 percent respectively.

Harvest operations are most advanced in the southwest, where almost five per cent of this year's crop has been combined. Winter wheat is 10 per cent combined, fall rye is 33 per cent and lentils are seven per cent combined.

Insects, frost and wind were the main sources of crop damage during the past week. Excessive rainfall is reducing crop quality in many areas, particularly where the swathing has occurred.

Topsoil moisture conditions are surplus or adequate for 94 per cent of crop land and 89 per cent of hay and pasture land.

Over 95 per cent of reporters indicate adequate water for livestock. Reporters in the west-central region reported the most concern about water for livestock with 14 per cent indicating inadequate levels.

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For More Information, Contact:

Gary Coghill SAFRR Regina Phone: (306)787-5978