Crop yields suffering due to extreme heat: Ministry of Agriculture

Crops across Saskatchewan are feeling the heat.

According to the weekly crop report issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers across the province are hoping for more rain before they begin harvest, as crop yield potentials have decreased due to the heat.

Crop conditions range from very poor to good across the province due to drought-like conditions.

The report said harvest has started in the driest areas of Saskatchewan.

“Cereal crops that cannot be harvested due to dry conditions and grasshopper damage are being salvaged for livestock feed to support neighbouring livestock producers,” the ministry said.

According to the report, some areas of the province have gone more than 30 days without rain. That has caused topsoil moisture levels to drop.

Cropland moisture levels are now rated as just 15 per cent adequate, but 48 per cent short and 37 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture fell to just eight per cent adequate, with 43 per cent short and 49 per cent very short.

Five per cent of hay is still standing in the province, while 13 per cent is cut and 82 per cent has been baled or silage. Hay quality is rated as four per cent excellent, 66 per cent good, 29 per cent fair and one per cent poor.

The ministry said crop damage that was reported during the week was due to high winds, drought stress, hail, extreme heat, grasshoppers and gophers.

The report reminded producers that extremely dry conditions increase the risk of combine and grass fires.