FINAL CROP REPORT, DECEMBER 2009

Saskatchewan farmers faced many challenges throughout 2009, but still managed to take off an average to above-average crop, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's final year-end Crop Report.

The province experienced cool conditions in the spring, which were compounded in some areas by dry conditions. Seeding operations began in the southwest by the third week in April and by June 1, 95 per cent of the province's crops were seeded. Crop development was behind normal for much of the growing season due to cool weather.

The growing season remained fairly cool until September, when warm weather allowed the crops to mature quickly. The wet month of October prevented many farmers from completing their harvest until November.

Harvest started in the southwest at the end of July with the swathing and straight-combining of winter wheat and fall rye. Due to the unusual growing season, many crops matured unevenly, making it hard to make management decisions, such as when to start desiccating or swathing. Little harvest progress was made during the month of October but by November 24, 99 per cent of the harvest was complete.

Provincially, overall crop yields were above the 10-year average. The quality of most crops was average to above-average. Most of the crop downgrading that occurred was caused by weathering and insects.

Forage yields throughout the province were below average, although quality was rated as generally good.

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For more information, contact:

Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592