CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2008

Cool, wet weather delayed harvest in all areas of the province this past week, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.

Twenty-two per cent of the 2008 crop has been harvested, up just two per cent from 20 per cent last week. This is behind the five-year (2003-07) average of 49 per cent harvested for this time of year.

Harvest continues to be furthest advanced in the southwest where 36 per cent of the crop is harvested, followed by the southeast at 30 per cent. Combining is least advanced in the northwest where only 10 per cent of the crop is off.

Current yield estimates continue to point to above average provincial production for 2008.

The cool, wet weather this past week has had a negative impact on crop quality in general, with reporters citing damage from staining, bleaching, sprouting and lodging. With 19 per cent of the barley harvested, crop reporters estimate that 49 per cent should grade malt quality. The 10-year crop report average is 32 per cent grading malt quality.

Seeding of fall crops is underway. The biggest factor limiting seeding of fall crops is the fact that harvest progress is behind schedule.

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For more information, contact:

Terry Bedard
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956