CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 31ST

Fog and mist delayed combining and fall field work over the past week, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Combining progressed slightly to 89 per cent complete for the 2004 crop, behind the five-year average of 99 per cent. The west-central region remains furthest along, at 97 per cent complete. The southeast remains least advanced, with 79 per cent combined. All grain taken off over the past week came off with high moisture content and will require drying.

Weathering caused the majority of crop damage during the past week. Migrating waterfowl continued to damage crops. Farmers will need average to above average temperatures, along with dry weather, to complete combining this fall. Overall, crop quality will be below average.

Field work progress was minimal this past week, as many fields were too wet to access. Farmers hauled bales, applied fertilizer, fixed fence, moved cattle and picked rocks.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Bédard Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-5956