Released on August 2, 2005
Pre-harvest crop production estimates indicate that Saskatchewan farmers are expected to harvest 30 million tonnes of grains, oilseeds, and specialty crops, 26 per cent above the 10 year average, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.Harvest operations are just getting underway in some southern and central areas. Crops being combined include winter wheat, oats, fall rye and peas.
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 August 26th, 2005.
Some concerns for realizing yield expectations include heat and drought stress, frost and disease. Provincial crop yield estimates range from 74 to 181 per cent of the 10-year average. There is variability both at the local and regional levels. Yield prospects for many crops are highest in the northeast and lowest in the southwest.
Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay and pasture land all deteriorated over the past week. More than half of the reporters rate topsoil moisture as adequate on cropland. Southwestern and northeastern areas report the highest percentage of short topsoil moisture ratings.
The weather has allowed for continued haying progress in many areas. Seventy-six per cent of the first-cut and eight per cent of the second-cut hay crop has been baled or put into silage. Over half of reporters do not expect to harvest a second cut.
Wind, heat and drought stress caused the most crop damage during the past week. Limited spraying of insecticides and fungicides is underway.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Terry Bedard Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306)7875956 Email: tbedard@agr.gov.sk.ca |