Features Agronomy Harvesting
Pre harvest report from Saskatchewan up from 2007 numbers

Aug. 1, 2008 – Pre-harvest crop production estimates indicate that Saskatchewan farmers are expected to harvest 25.35 million tonnes of grains, oilseeds, and specialty crops, according to the crop reporters who provide the information for Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.

This estimate, if realized, would result in a crop that is eight per cent above 2007 production, and seven per cent above the 10-year average. Yield projections will continue to be monitored throughout the harvest period and new estimates will be provided if production estimates change significantly. Statistics Canada's July production estimate will be released on August 22, 2008.

Harvest operations are just getting underway, with some spring wheat and fall rye swathed in the southwest. There is yield variability both at the local and regional levels. Many crop reporters indicate that they will have a better read on yields once combines are in the field. In general, crops are still one to two weeks behind the normal state of development for this time of year.

Topsoil moisture conditions remain similar to last week with 79 per cent of the crop land and 71 per cent of the hay and pasture land reported as having adequate topsoil moisture.

Fifty-six per cent of the first-cut hay crop has been baled or put into silage. To date, none of the second-cut hay crop has been baled or put into silage, and almost three-quarters of those reporting indicated they do not expect a second cut of hay in their district.

Pasture conditions have improved since the end of May. Fifty-eight per cent of reporters rated pastures as good to excellent, compared with 22 per cent providing that rating in May.

Livestock water supplies have also improved since the end of May, with 89 per cent reporting adequate supplies, compared with 79 per cent in May.

Insects caused the most crop damage during the past week. Other sources of damage included flooding, hail, wind, drought, disease and gophers.

In 2007, pre-harvest estimates indicated a production of 23.9 million tonnes of grains, oilseeds, and specialty crops.

Recent heat and lack of precipitation decreased yield expectations.  Less than one per cent of the 2007 crop had been combined, and two per cent was lying in the swath or was ready to be straight combined.