CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2006

Saskatchewan farmers have combined 62 per cent of the 2006 crop, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

This increased from 37 per cent last week, and is well ahead of the five-year (2001-2005) average of 32 per cent combined.

All areas of the province experienced good harvest progress this past week. Harvest is furthest advanced in the southwest where 86 per cent of the crop is combined, and least advanced in the northeast where 45 per cent of the crop has been combined to date.

The fall rye crop is 85 per cent combined and 14 per cent put to alternate uses, such as green feed. The winter wheat crop is 100 per cent harvested. Ninety-five per cent of the 2006 pea crop and 93 per cent of the lentil crop has been combined. Forty-two per cent of the triticale crop has been combined, and 49 per cent has been put to alternate uses. The provincial durum crop is 77 per cent combined. Other crops are less than 75 per cent combined.

With over 90 per cent of the pea and lentil crops combined, crop reporters estimated that 94 per cent of the peas would fall into the top two grades, and 91 per cent of the lentils would fall into the top two grades.

Wind caused the majority of the crop damage this past week, including scattered swaths and shelling of ripe grain. Reporters also expressed concern about bleaching, damage from wheat midge, and field and machinery fires.

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For More Information, Contact:

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