CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD JULY 21 TO 27, 2009

The majority of crops in the province are in good to fair condition, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.

Eighty-eight per cent of spring wheat, 87 per cent of flax, 86 per cent of canola and 85 per cent of peas are reported to be in good to fair condition.

Topsoil moisture conditions have declined over the past week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 59 per cent adequate and 36 per cent short; while hay and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 46 per cent adequate and 46 per cent short.

Pasture conditions have improved somewhat since last month. Thirty-three per cent are in good condition, 47 per cent are in fair condition and 17 per cent are in poor condition.

Forty-nine per cent of the province's hay crop has been baled or put into silage, 26 per cent is cut and 25 per cent remains standing. Fifty-two per cent of the hay crop is rated as good quality, while 30 per cent is rated as fair. The cold and dry conditions earlier in the season have made a second cut of hay unlikely in most areas.

The availability of livestock water supplies remains virtually unchanged from a month ago. Ninety-one per cent of the province has an adequate supply of livestock water, while nine per cent has an inadequate supply.

Dry conditions and insects - primarily grasshoppers, wheat midge and pea aphids - are causing the majority of crop damage. Gophers are also causing damage in some areas.

Farmers are busy haying, scouting fields, controlling insects and getting ready for harvest. A good rain to help fill crops and some heat would be appreciated.

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For more information, contact:

Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592