CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2005

Saskatchewan farmers have combined 53 per cent of the 2005 crop, up from 37 per cent last week, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report. Last year, combining progress stood at 30 per cent; the five-year average is 68 per cent combined.

The southwest continues to be furthest advanced with 81 per cent combined, followed closely by the southeast with 80 per cent combined. The northwest continues to be least advanced with 20 per cent combined. Provincially, winter wheat, fall rye, pea and lentil crops are all more than 85 per cent combined.

Crop reporters continue to report harvest delays, in the form of rain, dews, frosts and high humidity. These conditions are causing further downgrading of many crops. Reporters also expressed concern about lodging, sprouting, bleaching, staining, second growth and soft fields.

During the past week, crop damage was mainly caused by frost, wind, migratory birds and weathering.

Close to 70 per cent of the province's pastures are in good to excellent condition, improved from the end of August. Availability of livestock water is rated as adequate by 98 per cent of reporters, compared to 100 per cent at the end of August. Some reporters in the southern part of the province indicated that sloughs and dugouts are low or empty.

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For More Information, Contact:

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