By Angie Rolheiser

Agriculture Roundup for Friday July 30, 2021

Jul 30, 2021 | 1:40 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – One brighter spot for Saskatchewan crops is in southeast Saskatchewan.

The crop extension specialist in Weyburn, Sherri Roberts, said the southeast has received spotty rainfall this growing season, and many farmers are expecting an average crop.

However, the drought has also affected pockets in the southeast.

She has seen thin crops in barley, oats and canola.

Roberts added grasshoppers have become a problem and some farmers have been spraying to control the insects.

Court proceedings

Guilty pleas entered by man involved in robbery of young volleyball player

1h ago

Helping hand

Royal Purple Elks mark Speech and Hearing Month with donation to Princess Margaret School

1h ago

PERMANENT SHELTER

City of P.A. asking property and land owners for help in finding new shelter location

3h ago

–

Nature Saskatchewan is asking rural motorists to be on the lookout for young burrowing owls.

The young owls are inexperienced and often forage on grid roads and in ditches and need to learn the way of the road.

Unfortunately, many of these young owls are at risk of being struck by motorists while foraging along the sun-warmed roads. The Burrowing owl population in Saskatchewan has been steadily declining and the survival of each owl is critical for the ultimate survival of the species.

The agency says motorists can help the juvenile owls survive by slowing down in rural areas, particularly near pasture land. The owls are often found nesting in native or tame prairie that has been well grazed by cattle, as the shorter grass enables the owl to see any nearby predators.

They are often seen standing near the burrow entrance, on nearby fence posts or foraging in the ditches. The owls use abandoned burrows dug by badgers, gophers and other burrowing mammals.

Nature Saskatchewan has a burrowing owl initiative to help ensure the species survive.

–

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW