Saskatchewan Expects Above Average Yields

VANCOUVER - Jul 29/08 - SNS -- Saskatchewan Agriculture is looking for yields to end up higher than their recent three-year and 10-year averages, which would lift production of field peas, lentils, canary, and mustard seed above current expectations, while chickpeas could end up about as expected.

Production of all crops in Saskatchewan is forecast at 25.35 million metric tons (MT), 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 8% above 2007 production, and 7% 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," the provincial agriculture department said.

"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."

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