CROP REPORT FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 17 TO 23, 2010

Wet and cool weather continues to delay crop maturity and slow harvest, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.

Just over two per cent of the 2010 crop has been combined. An additional nine per cent has been swathed or is ready to straight combine. The southwest has seven per cent combined and 10 per cent is ready to swath or straight combine. When broken down by crop, 24 per cent of the winter wheat and fall rye, six per cent of the lentils, 15 per cent of the peas and three per cent of the mustard have been combined. The five-year provincial average (2005 to 2009) for this time of year is 12 per cent combined and 19 per cent swathed or ready to straight combine.

Haying continues. Rain and heavy dew continue to slow progress. Saskatchewan producers have 94 per cent of the hay crop cut, with 82 per cent of that baled or put into silage. Quality is rated as 11 per cent excellent, 55 per cent good, 20 per cent fair and two per cent poor.

Pasture conditions are similar to one month ago and are rated as 43 per cent excellent, 50 per cent good and eight per cent fair. Ninety-nine per cent of livestock producers have adequate water supplies for their livestock.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 29 per cent surplus, 69 per cent adequate and two per cent short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as 16 per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate and four per cent short.

The majority of crop damage is being caused by flooding, wind and disease.

Farmers are busy haying, getting ready for harvest and hauling grain.

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For more information, contact:

Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592
Email: gmclean@gov.sk.ca