CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 16TH, 2005

With better weather this week, farmers made good harvest progress, with 90 per cent of the crop harvested, up from 76 per cent last week and just behind the five year average of 91 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

The south west is furthest along at 99 per cent complete. The northeast is least advanced with 73 per cent combined. Winter wheat, fall rye, durum, pea, lentil, chickpea and mustard crops are all more than 95 per cent combined. Overall, the crop is expected to be below average for quality.

Eighty-six per cent of the spring wheat has been harvested. Of that total, reporters estimate that 17 per cent will grade 1 CW, 25 per cent 2 CW, 42 per cent 3 CW, and 16 per cent Canada Feed. The 10-year crop report average is 53 per cent 1 CW, 20 per cent 2 CW, 15 per cent 3 CW, and 12 per cent Canada Feed.

Wind, weathering due to moisture, and water fowl caused the majority of the crop damage during the past week. Soft fields continue to cause harvesting delays in the northern grainbelt.

Fall work is well underway, including straw baling, hauling bales, fertilizer and chemical applications, harrowing, picking rocks, fixing fence, and moving livestock.

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For More Information, Contact:

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