INITIAL ESTIMATES INDICATE AVERAGE CROP

Released on July 28, 1997

Preliminary crop yield estimates indicate an average crop for the

province, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop

report.



If yield estimates are realized, 1997 production of primary field

crops will be 24.2 million tonnes. This is nearly eight per cent

above the 10-year (1987-96) average, but is 13 per cent below 1996

production. The estimated above-average production is due to a 10 per

cent increase in harvested area and a average yield potential for most

crops except for wheat, durum and canola which will be below average.



Yield estimates range from 99 per cent of average for wheat, 95 per

cent of average for durum and 97 per cent of average for canola to

average or slightly above average for other cereals, oil seeds and

pulse crops.



Warm, dry weather and only scattered precipitation contributed to the

cautious yield estimate. Crop reporters indicate that the potential

exists for improved production with normal temperatures and rainfall.

Drier than normal conditions have reduced production potential in the

south eastern region of Saskatchewan and has recently deteriorated in

the west central and north western regions of the province.



In most areas, crop development has been hastened by above-normal

temperatures. Rainfall was reported throughout the central and

northern grain growing areas of the province including the south

east along the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border. Several hail and

wind storms were reported across the province with the most

significant damage occurring in the Kamsack area on Friday July

25.



Haying progress is rapidly progressing throughout the province

and quality is reported to be better than last year and above

average. Harvesting of winter crops is expected to start in the

next two weeks in southern regions.



Pesticide spraying is nearing completion for wheat midge, while

spraying is beginning for diamond back moths and army worms in

canola in the south east.



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For more information, contact:



Mike Makowsky

Agriculture Economist

Statistics Branch

Agriculture and Food

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5958