Recent snowfall has been causing trouble for producers harvesting in Saskatchewan.
Rodney Baumgartner farms south of Indian Head. He says this summer has been dry and he looks forward to this week’s moisture but not when it’s in the form of snow.
“It’s slowing down our harvest. We got maybe two thirds done and we haven’t combined other than Saturday and Sunday for the last two and a half weeks,” said Baumgartner.
Baumgartner says the snow surprise doesn’t make him too worried as much of his crop is oilseed.
“It may be a little stressful but overall not too bad. (The moisture) depends on what type of crop you have out.”
Ken Staza is a farmer from the Wood Mountain area. While waiting for the snow to disappear, he decided to drive to Regina and pick up a few things at Peavey Mart. He remains hopeful the weather will warm up.
“It has put a stop on our farming activities. We do have some flax standing out but it’s not hurting the flax and the flax will weather this quite well. We do need the moisture as long as we get a break, an Indian Summer and some good weather,” added Staza.
In Moose Jaw, Shannon Friesen with Saskatchewan Agriculture says this snow is not helping many farmers located in the central and northern areas of the province as many crops are still left out in the field.
“Much of what’s left out there in the south such as soy beans, flax and some canola. They’re all affected in different ways. Most of them do relate to downgrading from moisture issues and some bleaching and staining,” said Friesen.
Back in Regina, Staza and Baumgartner have their own views on the moisture.
“It’s good for the ducks, that’s about it,” said Baumgartner.
“Gotta work with Mother Nature. She’s the boss,” added Staza.
Friesen says many farmers in central and northern Saskatchewan are now hoping for a mixture of sun and wind so that the fields can dry up and the farmers can get back into the field and get back to work.
