Released on August 29, 2005
Many areas of the grainbelt received additional rain last week, slowing harvest operations and impacting crop quality, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.The north and west-central areas of the grainbelt received the most rain, with amounts of over 160 mm reported.
Eight per cent of the 2005 crop has been combined and a further 21 per cent has been swathed or is ready to be straight combined. The five-year average for this time of year is 25 per cent combined and 21 per cent swathed or ready to straight combine.
Harvest operations are most advanced in the southwest, where 20 per cent of the crop has been combined. Provincially, winter wheat is 62 per cent combined, fall rye is at 56 per cent, peas are at 39 per cent and lentils are at 30 per cent.
Insects, rain and wind were the main sources of crop damage during the past week. The wind and rain lodged crops in many areas of the province. There were reports of staining, bleaching and sprouting.
Last week's rain improved topsoil moisture conditions on crop land with 63 per cent of reporters giving an adequate rating, compared with 58 per cent last week. Hay and pasture land are rated as adequate by 68 per cent of reporters, up from 46 per cent last week. Areas of surplus moisture increased.
Pasture conditions have deteriorated from the end of July, when 81 per cent of reporters rated pastures in good to excellent condition. The current level is 59 per cent. All reporters continue to rate livestock water supplies as adequate.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Terry Bedard Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5956 |