Released on September 24, 2007
Saskatchewan farmers have harvested 78 per cent of the 2007 crop, up from 66 per cent last week, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.
At this time last year, harvesting progress stood at 92 per cent. The five-year average is 63 per cent harvested.
All regions managed to get some harvest accomplished, but cool, damp weather limited progress. Rain at the beginning of this week will stall harvest again and continue to deteriorate crop quality.
The province's pastures are reported in good to excellent condition by 29 per cent of reporters, down from 46 per cent at the end of August. Availability of livestock water is rated as adequate by 90 per cent of reporters, lower than the end of August. Some reporters in the southern part of the province indicated that sloughs and dugouts are low or empty.
During the past week, crop damage was mainly caused by weathering, wind and frost. Reporters raised concerns with sprouting and bleaching of crops. Migratory waterfowl also caused crop damage.
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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