Insect surveys are done throughout the growing season to see what kind of insects are affecting crops during the year.

     Scott Hartley, Insect Specialist for Saskatchewan's Minister of Agriculture, says some of the surveys are done to predict what may come in the next growing season.  Some are done during the season, and others are just to give an idea of the presence of some of the insects.

     Hartley says they are also doing a survey on gophers.  He says they've done a mail-out survey on the animal to gather information, which will allow them to try and improve management options.

     Hartley adds that surveys show grasshoppers, the cabbage seed pod weavel, pea leaf weavel, and cereal leaf beetle have been affecting some crops this year.