CROPS IN GOOD TO EXCELLENT CONDITION

Crop reporters rate at least three-quarters of most spring and fall crops in good to excellent condition according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food, and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Canola crops, showing some damage from flea beetles and wind, are rated as 63 per cent in good to excellent condition, while canary seed crops, affected by low topsoil moisture, are rated as 70 per cent in good to excellent condition.

Spring cereals, oilseeds and pulse crops are rated as between two-thirds to three-quarters normal development and one-third to one-quarter behind. Fall rye and winter wheat crops are rated as 68 per cent normal development and 22 per cent ahead of normal.

Across the province as a whole, 58 per cent of reporters rate crop land topsoil moisture as adequate, and 47 per cent of reporters rate topsoil moisture on hay and pasture land as adequate. However, moisture and crop conditions deteriorated in central and northern areas during the past week due to hot temperatures combined with strong winds. General rains will be needed soon to prevent crop deterioration and stress.

Insects were again the main source of crop damage during the past week – namely, grasshoppers, flea beetles, cutworms, and wire worms. Herbicide and insecticide spraying is underway as weather conditions permit. Some re-seeding is taking place due to insect damage and poor emergence. Other more isolated sources of crop damage include drought, wind, hail, flooding, frost, disease, and gophers.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Terry Karwandy Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-5956 Email: tkarwandy@agr.gov.sk.ca