CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING JULY 27

Some harvesting operations have started with the swathing and/or combining of peas, canola, fall rye, and winter wheat in areas across the province, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Continued hot, dry weather is deteriorating crops across the province. Provincial crop conditions, as rated by crop reporters, are reported as good to excellent for at least 40 per cent of all crops, with the exception of durum, triticale, mustard, lentils, canary seed, and chickpeas. Crop development continues to accelerate with 85 per cent or more of the crops rated at either normal development or ahead of normal.

Rains were very spotty during the past week, but will help fill crops in some areas. Yield prospects decline as crops are pushed to maturity by the weather conditions. The first yield and production estimate from crop reporters will be released on August 5th, 2003.

Moisture conditions deteriorated on crop, hay, and pasture land with 14 per cent of crop reporters rating cropland topsoil moisture as adequate and nine per cent rating hay and pasture land topsoil moisture as adequate.

Pasture conditions have deteriorated substantially since the end of June, with 52 per cent of reporters rating pastures as fair to excellent, compared with 86 per cent giving that rating in June. Livestock water supplies have dwindled slightly, with 93 per cent reporting adequate supplies compared with 95 per cent at the end of June.

Reporters indicate that 90 per cent of the first-cut hay crop has been baled or made into silage, and a further six per cent is lying in the swath. As of July 13th, 2003, crop reporters expected dryland alfalfa/brome to yield around 1.0 ton/acre – just under the 10-year average. Quality is generally reported as good.

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For More Information, Contact:

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