Released on August 22, 2005
Five per cent of the 2005 crop has been combined, and a further 13 per cent has been swathed or is ready to be straight combined, somewhat below the five-year average of 12 per cent combined and 16 per cent swathed or ready to straight combine at this time of year, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.Harvest operations are most advanced in the southwest where 14 per cent of the crop has been combined. The provincial winter wheat crop is 50 per cent combined, fall rye is 53 per cent combined, peas are 28 per cent combined, and lentils are 17 per cent combined.
Many areas of the grainbelt received rain last week, slowing harvest operations, but helping later seeded crops.
An average of 20 mm of rain was received across the province last week, with the east central and north grainbelt regions reporting the highest regional amounts.
Preliminary estimates by crop reporters on 2005 harvested hard red spring wheat show that grade quality is well above the 10-year crop report average of 53 per cent for No. 1 CW. Last week's rain was expected to have some negative quality effects.
Last week's rain improved topsoil moisture conditions on crop land with 58 per cent of the reporters giving an adequate rating, compared with 29 per cent last week. Hay and pasture land are rated as adequate by 46 per cent of reporters, up from 25 per cent last week.
Yields of brome/alfalfa hay on dryland are estimated at 1.7 imperial tons per acre, well above the 10-year average of 1.0 imperial ton per acre. Yields are estimated to be the highest in the northeast and the lowest in the southwest region.
Insects, drought stress, and wind were the main sources of crop damage during the past week. Lodging continues to be a concern in many areas of the province.
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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 |