CROP REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 4, 2005

Saskatchewan farmers have 18 per cent of the 2005 crop combined, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

This week's progress marks an improvement from eight per cent last week, but is well behind the five-year average of 38 per cent combined.

Harvest is furthest advanced in the southwest, where 38 per cent of the crop is combined. About four per cent has been combined across the northern grainbelt. Eastern areas were again delayed by rain.

The fall rye crop is 79 per cent combined, with five per cent put to alternate uses. The winter wheat crop is 83 per cent harvested. Peas are at 58 per cent and lentils are at 54 per cent. About 27 per cent of the triticale crop has been combined, with 18 per cent put to alternate uses. Mustard is at 29 per cent combined. All other crops are less than 20 per cent combined.

Rain, wind and insects caused the majority of the crop damage this past week. Reporters expressed several quality concerns, including staining, bleaching, lodging, sprouting and light bushel weights. Other concerns expressed include shattering, mould, scattering of swaths, lodging, second growth and muddy fields.

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For More Information, Contact:

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