SK CROP REPORT

[LarryWeber]

Drier weather allows combining to progress

Highlights

29% of the crop has been harvested with a further 9% being used for alternate purposes
Last year 90% of the crop had been combined while the 5-year average is 72 percent
29% of the spring wheat has been combined; 13% is expected to grade #1 CWRS versus the
10-year average of 52% 1 CWRS
Crop reporters continue to comment on damage from the August frost and recent wet weather
Frost in some areas in the latter part of the week (Fri. night) may have caused damage to immature crops
Some seeding of fall crops is underway, though grasshoppers are hampering progress in the SW
Second cutting of hay and cutting of second growth for feed is underway


Southern Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 1-4)

A warm, drier week in the southern grainbelt - average rain - 1mm; high - 3mm
Wind damage was reported in many areas; several areas reported frost
Harvest operations are 37% complete; 1% is expected to be used for alternative uses
Harvest is difficult due to second growth; reports of chickpeas and lentils that are blooming
32% of the spring wheat crop is harvested; 20% is expected to grade 1CWRS; a downgrade from last week. There are reports of light bushel weights
Insects and disease continue to be a problem
Straw is being baled; haying and baling of greenfeed has resumed; some farmers are waiting for the grasshoppers to subside before fall seeding

Central Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 5-7)

A warm and dry week across central SK; average rainfall - 1mm; high - 2mm
Several reports of frost later in the week and damage to flax is expected in some areas
Harvest is 28% complete with a further 9% in the area to be used for grazing or feed
Second growth is a problem and is delaying canola harvest as some crops are blooming again
27% of the spring wheat has been harvested; 13% is expected to grade 1 CWRS, a downgrade from last week
Insects and grasshoppers continue to cause problems
The late moisture has lots of alfalfa second growth that farmers are cutting
Pastures are in good shape; some winter wheat has been seeded

Northern Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 8-9)

A warm, dry week in the NW; average rainfall - 1mm; high - 3mm
Several areas reported frost later in the week and damage is expected in the NW
Harvest is 23% complete in the North with a further 20% utilized for grazing and livestock
31% of the red spring wheat has been combined; 4% is expected to grade #1 CWRS, a significant downgrade from last week
Insects and grasshoppers continue to cause damage
Farmers are cutting and baling regrowth in crops; some winter wheat has been seeded


Sask. Harvest Progress at September 01, 2002 (Percent)

GrainCombined 20011997-01

WW8210099
SWheat299572
Durum249475
Oats138861
Barley319576
FRye 7710099
SRye409576
Flax24232
Canola228569

Mustard409580
Lentils519888
Peas769990
Canary 46148
Chicks844n/a

Total299072

[charliep]

Larry

Any thoughts on grade patterns? Based on reasonable weather from here on in (whatever that is), a good friend thinks we are currently at 1/3 top grade (1/2 CWRS, 1CPS, 1/2CWAD), 1/3 mid quality (3CWRS, 3CWAD, etc) and 1/3 feed/lower grades. This grade breakdown will be lower with either more wet weather or another frost in the next couple of weeks.

A further concern this year is falling number - enough wet weather to get some germination going but not enough to be visually downgradeable. A recommendation coming from this is to bin test/have samples graded with a special request for falling number information. If you have high falling numbers, this will be a marketing bonus in the coming year and sold as such.

[charliep]

On Sept 09, the Sask Government estimated that 26% of the CWRS was expected to grade #1 CWRS versus the Sept 03estimate of 38% and well below the five-year average of 52%

Yesterday they estimated the 1CWRS at 13%.

For those of you have #1 Red left from last year or were lucky enough to take some off this year, the Canadian millers will looking for good product for some of their best customers. There is nothing in the CWB Act to state that they cannot offer more than the CWB rate for milling wheat picked up on your farm – negotiate hard on your 1 CWRS this year, getting it picked up for free at the farm at a minimum, with potential for a $10-15 dollar premium

The reds in Saskatchewan havent put a number on the amount of milling grade wheat in the 1/2 CWRS category Charlie, but by the way the numbers are dropping for 1 CWRS, it wont be pretty.

Regards

[rain]

Charlie or Larry, what is the normal % of wheat that grades a #3 or Feed in Saskatchewan.

[rain]

20% if u include 3 and CF

[rain]

Larry what % of this years crop do you think will be a #3, and feed?