CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING JULY 20, 2008

July rains have helped improve crop conditions, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.

On a provincial basis, at least a majority of each crop is reported to be in good to excellent condition as shown by the following figures: spring wheat and durum - 70 per cent; oats - 74 per cent; barley - 73 per cent; flax - 68 per cent; canola - 65 per cent; lentils - 72 per cent and peas - 75 per cent. According to crop reporters, crops continue to remain behind normal development for this time of year in many areas.

There was a slight improvement in topsoil moisture conditions from the previous week. Overall, topsoil moisture conditions are reported as adequate on 80 per cent of the crop land and 70 per cent of the hay and pasture land.

Haying progress was slow during the past week because of wet weather. One-third of the first-cut hay crop has been baled or put into silage. An additional 30 per cent has been cut, and a good portion of this has had at least one rain on it. Three-quarters of those reporting this week indicated that there would not be a second cut of hay in their district.

Hail and insects were the main sources of crop damage. Other sources of damage during the past week were flooding, wind, drought, disease and gophers.

Crop reporters indicate that many farmers were applying insecticide and fungicide.

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For more information, contact:

Terry Bedard
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956