CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 5TH

Farmers have five per cent of the 2004 crop combined, well behind the five-year average of 41 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.

Harvest is most advanced in the southwest, where 14 per cent of the crop is combined. Less than one per cent has been combined across the northern grainbelt.

Fall rye is 32 per cent combined, with 10 per cent put to alternate uses. Winter wheat is 20 per cent harvested, peas are 23 per cent and lentils are 16 per cent. Triticale is 16 per cent combined, with 26 per cent put to alternate uses. All other crops are reported below 10 per cent.

Topsoil remains wet, as many areas received showers over the past week. Almost 80 per cent of crop land is rated as having adequate moisture, with 15 per cent rated as surplus. About 85 per cent of hay and pasture land is rated as having adequate moisture, with five per cent rated as surplus.

Cool, damp weather has delayed crop maturity and deteriorated crop quality. Grasshoppers and saw flies continue to damage crops. There are also reports of bleaching, sprouting, mould and staining.

Reports of damage from the August 20 frost continue to come in. A complete measure of frost damage is unlikely until harvest is complete. A few southwestern areas received light frost towards the end of last week, and several areas received frost on September 6th. Damage from these frosts is not currently known.

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For More Information, Contact:

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