Crop Report for the Week of August 22, 2004

Many areas of the grainbelt received frost last week and damage is expected to range from light to severe, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

According to reporters, frost damage occurred north of a line extending from Kindersley through Assiniboia. Canola crops are expected to suffer the most, with bean and corn crops also damaged significantly. Some late-seeded cereal crops will be made into feed and some won't be harvested. More mature crops are expected to show some quality loss.

One per cent of the 2004 crop has been combined with five per cent swathed or ready to be straight combined, below the five-year average of 13 and 17 per cent, respectively. Crop development remains two to three weeks behind in many areas.

Harvest operations are most advanced in the southwest, where four per cent of the crop has been combined. Winter wheat is nine per cent combined, fall rye is 28 per cent, peas are eight per cent and lentils are five per cent combined.

Frost, insects and wind were the main sources of crop damage during the past week. Lodging continues to be a concern in many areas of the province.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay and pasture land continue to be adequate on 75 per cent of the land. The driest regions are between Kindersley and North Battleford, between Regina and Saskatoon, and between Estevan and Val Marie.

Yields of brome/alfalfa hay on dryland are estimated at 1.8 tons per acre, well above the 10-year average of 1.0 tons per acre. Yields are estimated to be the highest in the southeast and the lowest in the west central region.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Bédard SAFRR Regina Phone: 787-5956