Saskatchewan

Crops in southern Sask. need rain soon: report

The most recent crop report in Saskatchewan indicates that rain is desperately needed in southern parts of the province, as strong winds and a lack of rain are drying up fields.

Crop and hay yields in the southeast could be affected by strong winds, lack of moisture

Most farmers are done seeding in Saskatchewan, but their crops need rain. (CBC) (Arjan Leeuwerke‏/Twitter)

Strong winds and a lack of rain are creating problems for crops in southern Saskatchewan.

The province's most recent crop report indicates the scattered showers from May 30 to June 5 left many of the province's crops with only "trace-to-small" amounts of rain.

"Persistent strong winds and lack of moisture are drying up fields and delaying crop maturity," it reads.

"There are concerns in areas of the southeast that crop and hay yields will be affected if rain is not received soon."

The report goes on to say that besides wind and a lack of moisture, a majority of crop damage done last week was caused by frost and insects, such as flea beetles and cutworms.

"Crop development has been delayed in much of the province and most crops are behind their normal developmental stages for this time of year," according to the report.

Overall, the province reports that most producers have completed seeding operations for the year, with those in the north needing a bit more time.