CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 4 TO 10, 2009

One per cent of the 2009 crop has been combined, and seven per cent has been swathed or is ready to straight-combine, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.

The five-year average (2004-2008) is four per cent combined and eight per cent swathed or ready to straight-combine at this time of year.

Harvest operations are most advanced in the south western and south eastern regions of the province. In the southwest, four per cent of the winter wheat and two per cent of the fall rye, field peas and lentils have been combined. In the southeast, three per cent of the winter wheat, four per cent of the fall rye and two per cent of the lentils have been combined.

Topsoil moisture conditions continue to improve. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 71 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and four per cent very short, while hay and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 57 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and eight per cent very short.

Rain slowed haying operations in some areas.

Grasshoppers, pea aphids and dry conditions are causing the majority of crop damage. Lodging of crops occurred in some areas due to heavy rains and high winds.

Farmers are busy finishing haying, cutting greenfeed, hauling grain, scouting fields and getting ready for harvest. The past week brought fairly good growing conditions to most of the province, although rain is needed in some areas to help fill the crops.

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For more information, contact:

Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 694-3592