By Karin Yeske

Frost risk concerns Saskatchewan producers

Aug 9, 2013 | 12:31 PM

The risk of frost this time of year has Kerry Peterson concerned.

The Shellbrook-area farmer and other producers in Saskatchewan are worried that frost could be right around the corner.

Just Thursday night, Environment Canada issued a frost risk across the province.

“It is always nerve-racking when the mercury drops down into that area,” he said, adding it could wipe out up to 50 per cent of your income in one night.

“A half of degree of frost just at the wrong time, like say even – 0.5 C or -1 C can cost huge. “

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Farmers around Saskatchewan are always nervous around this time of year, he said. Crops this year could be a bit late and he anticipated they’ll need frost-free nights until the middle of September.

“It’s always a concern, frost. Once your crop reaches maturity, you know even if it is still in the field, the frost won’t hurt it,” he said.

Peterson said his 5,000 acres of peas, oat, canola and wheat have already suffered water damage from this spring. Frost would make that issue worse.

“Anytime there is a frost before the crop is matured, it’s probably a bigger economic hit than most people realize. It’s hundreds of millions of dollars just in our area. It’s probably not only a concern producers but also retailers and whole business community.”

The worst part is that there’s nothing Peterson can do to prevent it, he said.

“You try and seed as early as you can, you try and use whatever so crops mature the earliest but once it is at this stage, it is out of your hands.”

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