CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 8TH

Crop development ranges from normal to three weeks behind, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Fall cereals are reported to be 85 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 38 per cent at normal or ahead of normal development. Spring cereals are reported to be 86 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 22 per cent at normal development. Oilseed crops are reported to be 82 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 25 per cent at normal or ahead of normal. Pulse crops are at 87 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 27 per cent of the crop at normal or ahead of normal development.

About one per cent of the 2004 crop has been swathed. Some harvest activity has taken place in all regions of the province and in all crops, except chickpeas.

Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay and pasture land improved during the past week, as areas of short and very short moisture decreased. Central regions continue to experience the most moisture shortages.

Insects including grasshoppers, wheat midge, flea beetles, aphids, bertha armyworm larvae and sawflies were the primary source of crop damage over the past week. Other sources included flooding, hail, wind, heat and drought stress, disease and gophers. Lodging of crops is also a concern.

About 79 per cent of the first-cut hay crop has been baled or put into silage. Less than half of crop reporters expect a second cut of hay in their areas. Provincially, the second cut is one per cent complete.

Sunday's rain will help fill later crops and alleviate drought stress. It will be reported in further detail in next week's crop report. Some quality issues, such as sprouting, are arising.

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For More Information, Contact:

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