CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 13TH, 2005

The harvest of 2005 proved to be another challenging one for Saskatchewan farmers, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's final crop report for the year.

April was dry with above-normal temperatures, but May turned cooler with variable precipitation. Seeding activity began during the third week in April in southern regions. By the end of May, 85 per cent of the crop had been planted. June was wet across the prairies, which delayed seeding and spraying operations.

Farmers seeded an estimated 35.4 million acres, second only to 2004 for highest amount of seeded acres. The June moisture gave crops a good start. Hot, dry weather in August reduced yields and bushel weights in the southwest.

The biggest challenge came at harvest time in the form of rain, particularly in central and northern areas. As a result, a harvest that started in late July was extended into November for many producers. To date, there are still at least 500,000 acres yet to be harvested. Crop quality deteriorated significantly in the heavy rainfall regions throughout the fall.

Crop reporters expect that farmers will harvest 30.5 million tonnes of the major grains, oilseeds, and specialty crops for the 2005 crop year. The production estimate is 28 per cent above the 10-year average of 23.8 million tonnes, and 16 per cent above the 2004 production of 26.2 million tonnes. The above average production is due to a record expected harvested area, as well as above average yields for almost all crops.

The quality of the 2005 crop is below average, with the exception of the oilseeds. Spring wheat and durum are expected to see the largest drop in quality, as compared to the average. Farmers also face the challenge of drying and storing the crop. Much of the crop harvested in October and November, particularly cereals, came off tough.

The hay crop was good this year, as provincially, the first and second cuts of brome/alfalfa hay on dry land averaged 1.8 imperial tons per acre, above the 10-year average of 1.0 imperial ton per acre. Quality was expected to be generally good to excellent.

About 75 per cent of the Saskatchewan grain belt has good to very good stubble subsoil moisture reserves going into winter. The southern area of the province, south of the Trans Canada highway from the Alberta border to the Weyburn area, has areas of fair to very poor stubble subsoil moisture recharge. Winter snowfall and early spring rains will be needed in the southern area to replenish the subsoil moisture for spring seeding.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Bedard Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5956