CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 18TH

Hot weather has advanced crop development, particularly in oilseeds and pulses, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Fall cereals are reported to be 80 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 54 per cent behind normal development. Spring cereals are reported to be 87 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 82 per cent behind. Oilseed crops are reported to be 75 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 78 per cent behind normal. Pulse crops are at 85 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 70 per cent of the crop behind normal development.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay and pasture land are generally adequate across the province, although specific regions report increases to surplus and/or short topsoil moisture conditions.

Insects, including grasshoppers and flea beetles, were the main source of crop damage during the past week. Other sources of crop damage were hail, wind, heat and drought stress, disease and gophers.

Haying operations made significant progress during the past week, with 22 per cent of the first-cut hay crop baled or put into silage. Some areas in the southwest have begun a second cut.

The first estimate of the 2004 hay yield indicated that dryland brome/alfalfa is expected to average 1.5 tons per acre, 50 per cent above the 10-year average of 1.0 tons per acre.

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For More Information, Contact:

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