Released on August 5, 2003
Pre-harvest crop production estimates indicate that Saskatchewan farmers are expected to harvest 20-million tonnes of grains, oilseeds, and specialty crops, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's weekly crop report.This is 84 per cent of the 10-year average production. Yield projections will continue to be monitored throughout the harvest period and new estimates will be provided if production estimates change significantly. Statistics Canada's July production estimate will be released on Aug. 22.
Hot, dry weather has reduced yield expectations across much of the grainbelt. Provincial crop yield estimates range from 68 to 112 per cent of the 10-year average. There is variability both at the local and regional levels, depending on where showers fell. Overall yield prospects are highest in the north east.
At the provincial level, harvest operations are just getting underway with just over three per cent of the crop swathed or combined.
Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay, and pasture land all deteriorated over the past week. Forty-six per cent of reporters rate conditions on crop land as short and fifty-two per cent rate them as very short. Sixty-five per cent of reporters rate topsoil moisture conditions on hay and pasture land as very short.
Heat and drought stress were the major source of crop damage during the past week, followed closely by insect damage. Powdery mildew is reported to be causing damage to pea crops in regions across the province.
The weather has allowed for continued haying progress. Ninety-five per cent of the first-cut and five per cent of the second-cut hay crop has been baled or put into silage. About 60 per cent of reporters do not expect to harvest a second cut.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Terry Karwandy SAFRR Regina Phone: 787-5956 |