Farmers reporting below-average yields as harvest wraps up

Harvest is nearly complete in Saskatchewan, but farmers are reporting below-average yields.

In its weekly crop report, the Ministry of Agriculture said 99 per cent of the crop is in the bin in nearly every region of the province. The five-year average for this time of year is 79 per cent.

But the drought that hit Saskatchewan this summer affected yields, as did wind, hail and grasshoppers.

According to the report, average yields are estimated at 30 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 19 bushels per acre for durum, 49 bushels per acre for oats, 34 bushels per acre for barley, 21 bushels per acre for canola, 22 bushels per acre for peas and 870 pounds per acre for lentils.

That said, the ministry noted most crops were within the top two quality grades.

Average hay yields on dry land were 0.79 tons per acre (alfalfa), 0.77 tons per acre (alfalfa/brome and wild hay), 0.55 tons per acre (other tame hay) and 1.13 tons per acre (greenfeed).

On irrigated land, hay yields are expected to average 2.2 tons per acre (alfalfa), 2.1 tons per acre (alfalfa/brome), 1.60 tons per acre (wild hay) and 1.9 tons per acre (greenfeed).

Most of the hay going into winter is rated as poor to good in quality.

Generally, the lack of precipitation, scorching temperatures and high winds during the year resulted in deteriorating levels of topsoil moisture. The ministry said “significant precipitation” is needed in the fall and winter to replenish moisture levels.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 12 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 45 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 57 per cent very short.

The report added many livestock producers said they won’t have adequate supplies of hay, straw, greenfeed and feed grain heading into winter.

“Many areas in the province will have inadequate winter feed supplies and shortages are expected due to a poor first cut of hay and the inability to get a second cut,” the report said. “Due to the dry conditions this year, dugout, slough and well levels have been low and there are concerns about livestock water supplies.”

Some ranchers were able to get feed from crop residue and straw from their grain-farming neighbours. As well, recent rains allowed some pastures to green up and extend grazing for one or two weeks.