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Farmers in NW region challenged by dry conditions, grasshoppers

Jul 30, 2021 | 6:34 PM

THE BATTLEFORDS, Sask. – Similar to many other parts of Saskatchewan, the Battlefords and northwest Saskatchewan farmers continue to struggle with very dry conditions affecting crops. Grasshoppers that enjoy the sun are also now a blight on many farmers’ fields in the area.

Shannon Friesen, crops extension specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, says production is not looking very good in many parts in the area this season due to the ongoing dry conditions.

“In terms of crop production, of course the northwest region has suffered a lot of impact from the high temperatures and the lack of moisture,” she said. “Things are in maybe not great shape overall.”

Friesen says while the region did receive some rainfall a week ago, it was not enough to make a big difference in crop production, although it was welcomed.

“Like much of the province, top-soil moisture and everything else remains very dry,” she said.

Much of the crops being grown this year in the northwest region include canola, spring wheat, barley and oats, as well as pulse crops such as peas, faba beans and lentils.

Friesen said the drought has “taken a toll on just about all crops,” with canola possibly in the worst shape, while some of the cereal crops could be in the best shape in comparison. Some areas that received more moisture will be in better condition.

The continued hot, dry weather in the northwest region is also creating a problem with grasshoppers for many farmers.

Friesen says these insects have been infesting a number of crops.

“Grasshoppers do continue to be a huge concern,” she said. “We have had many reports right across the province of a lot of damage being done, not only to hay crops but also in our lentil crops and flax, canola and cereals as well.”

Many producers are spraying insecticides to get rid of the pests, while others are choosing to cut their crop early instead since harvest is just around the corner.

As well, farmers are still assessing damages to their crops from the July 22 hail and wind storm.

Some saw their yards and bins damaged, while many farmers also had quite a bit of crop damage as well.

At this point in the season, Friesen said, some producers impacted may just be trying to salvage what they can for this year’s production.

Local producer Agnes Morgenstern farms with her husband Calvin in the Loon Lake area where they grow canola, peas, wheat, barley and oats.

She says their crops are not looking very good with the continued dry weather.

While there was some rain recently in the region, it has been a case of too little or not at all. And, too late.

“It is just about getting late, and it has been real hit and miss,” Morgenstern said. “Some people have gotten it, some people have not. It’s not an overall rain.”

Morgenstern is also concerned about the abundance of grasshoppers in the area, and said their farm was sprayed in an effort to get rid of the pests.

At the same time, she and her husband are still hoping for improved conditions and more wet weather, even though it is getting late in the season.

“Yes, we need rain desperately,” she said.

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow