WEATHER LIMITS HARVEST OPERATIONS

Despite poor weather, farmers have harvested a total of 74 per cent of this

year's crop, up from 67 per cent harvested last week, according to Saskatchewan

Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report. This compares to 66 per cent

harvested at this time last year, and the five-year (1995-99) average of 76 per

cent.



Southwestern areas received the heaviest amounts of precipitation during the

past week, but most areas received enough moisture to halt harvesting

operations for several days. Both quality and yield damage are expected from

the killing frosts that hit many areas. The frosts have been welcomed by some

areas as this will push crops to maturity. Wind damage was again evident in

many areas of the province. Farmers continue to report sprouting, bleaching,

staining and light-weight crops. Snowfall, received in some areas, did damage

to standing crops.



Combining of all crops, with the exception of oats, flax, sunflower, canary

seed and chickpea, is at least 60 per cent complete. All crop districts, with

the exception of Crop District 9 in the northern part of the grainbelt, are at

least 65 per cent complete.



Seventy-three per cent of the spring wheat crop has been harvested, up from 64

per cent last week. Forty-nine per cent of the harvested spring wheat is

expected to grade No. 1 Canada Western (CW), below the 10-year (1990-99)

average of 55 per cent. Quality is expected to decline further as weathering

continues to affect crop grades.



Pasture conditions are generally fair to good throughout the province. Areas

reporting poor conditions are mainly in the western half of the province though

some eastern districts also report areas of poor pasture conditions.



Germination of both standing and swathed crops, resulting test weight and

quality reductions, is being reported. Crop insurance contract holders may be

in a claim position and should contact their local crop insurance office for

details.



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For more information, contact:



Terry Karwandy

Agriculture Economist

Statistics Branch

Agriculture and Food

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5956