Released on September 4, 2007
Saskatchewan farmers have 44 per cent of the 2007 crop harvested, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.
This figure increased from 27 per cent last week, and is ahead of the five-year (2002-2006) average of 31 per cent combined.
All areas of the province experienced good harvest progress this past week. Harvest is furthest advanced in the southwest, where 81 per cent of the crop is combined. It is least advanced in the northwest where only eight per cent has been combined due to the high amounts of precipitation received during the past week.
The fall rye crop is 94 per cent harvested, while the winter wheat crop is 92 per cent harvested. Ninety-one per cent of the 2007 lentil crop, 83 per cent of the pea crop, and 79 per cent of the triticale crops have been combined to date. Crop reporters noted that less than 75 per cent of the other crops have been combined so far.
With 60 per cent of the durum crop combined, crop reporters estimated that 36 per cent will grade No. 1 Canadian Western Amber Durum (CWAD) and 43 per cent grade No. 2 CWAD. The 10-year crop report average is 41 per cent 1CWAD and 27 per cent 2 CWAD. Light bushel weights seem to be one of the primary downgrading factors.
Winds caused the majority of crop damage this past week, including scattering swaths and shelling of ripe grain. Reporters also expressed concern about bleaching, staining, sprouting, damage from wheat midge and high fire hazard.
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For more information, contact:
Terry Bedard
Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956