CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 2ND, 2005

Farmers made decent harvest progress this past week with 69 per cent of the crop now combined, up from 53 per cent last week, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report. The five-year average is 79 per cent.

The southwest remains furthest along at 93 per cent complete, followed by the southeast with 92 per cent combined. The northwest remains the furthest behind at 29 per cent complete. The east central region made the most harvest progress this past week to bring the total combined to 73 per cent. The northeast and west central regions are less than 45 per cent complete. Overall, the crop is expected to be below average for quality.

During the past week, crop damage was caused by frost, water fowl, wild game, sawflies, wind and rain. Grasshoppers are damaging emerging fall-seeded crops in the northwest.

Some regions expect to finish harvest in the coming week, while others could need at least until the end of October. Those that have finished harvest have begun fall work, including straw baling, hauling bales, herbicide application, rock picking and harrowing.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Bedard Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5956 Email: tbedard@agr.gov.sk.ca