Weather Affects Local Farmers

The recent rain and cooler weather has slowed harvesting in the Northwest region, according to Saskatchewan’s weekly crop report.

Combined crop sits at a total of six per cent so far. This is behind in the five year average of nine per cent for this time of year. Sixteen per cent is swathed, ready for straight-cut. For crops to mature and harvesting continue, the region will need several warm and dry weeks. 

Up six per cent from last week, eleven per cent of the crop is in the bin. This remains behind the five year average of 28 percent.

Turtleford continues to have the highest amount of precipitation accumulating 398 mm since April 1, four mm over the past week. 

The Cropland topsoil moisture is 71 per cent adequate while being 28 per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil rating is 74 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and 17 per cent very short. Cropland, hay land and pasture has one per cent surplus.

Slowing crop maturity is due to high humidity. Crop damage is attributed to lack of moisture, frost and strong winds. Some fields have stopped haying due to them being too wet. 

Farmers are hoping for improvements in the weather. They are combining, desiccating and swathing. 

Written By: True Victoria