CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING AUGUST 3, 2008

Combining of the 2008 crop is just getting underway according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.

Some peas have been combined in the Spring Valley, Mossbank and Shaunavon areas. Fall rye and winter wheat are being swathed near Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Kincaid and Harris, and some lentils have been swathed in the Harris area.

Crops remain up to two weeks behind in many areas, and sustained frost-free weather until at least the end of August will be important to realize the crops' potential.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay and pasture land declined in all regions during the past week. However, approximately 70 per cent of the province's crop land is still reported to have adequate topsoil moisture.

First-cut haying operations continue to be challenged by showers, with 74 per cent baled or put into silage and an additional 15 per cent cut and awaiting baling. Many crop reporters do not expect a second cut of hay in their areas.

As in the previous week, the main sources of crop damage during the past week were hail and insects. Hail storms occurred primarily north of a line extending from Estevan to Kerrobert. Insect damage was caused by a variety of pests, including grasshoppers, Lygus bugs, aphids, wheat stem maggots, wheat midge, Bertha armyworms, diamondback moth larvae and sawflies. Disease pressure came from rust, botrytis, tan spot and non-specified leaf diseases. Other sources of crop damage during the past week were flooding, wind, heat, lodging and gophers.

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For more information, contact:

Terry Bedard
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956