Released on September 29, 2008
Saskatchewan farmers have harvested 82 per cent of the 2008 crop, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report, up from 67 per cent last week. Last year at this time, harvest progress stood at 87 per cent; the five-year average (2003-07) is 71 per cent harvested.
Harvest is furthest advanced in the northeast where 89 per cent of the crop is off and is least advanced in the northwest where 67 per cent of the crop is off. Crops that were damaged by hail throughout the province continue to be slow to ripen, causing some delay in progress.
Harvest progress for the major crops shows spring wheat and durum at 83 per cent complete, canola at 79 per cent, and lentils and peas at 99 per cent.
During the past week, crop damage was mainly caused by wind, rain, and frost. Reporters raised concerns with sprouting and bleaching of crops. Migratory waterfowl and wild game also caused some crop damage.
Thirty-five per cent of the province's pastures are reported in good to excellent condition, down from 45 per cent at the end of August. While 82 per cent of the pastures have adequate water available for livestock, some reporters in the southern part of the province indicated that sloughs and dugouts are low or empty.
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For more information, contact:
Terry Bedard
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956