Grasshopper and rain frustrating farmers

MELFORT, Sask. – It’s another challenge for farmers in the middle of the harvest season.

According to the latest crop report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, there have been multiple reports of grain samples being denied at the elevator because they contain grasshoppers.

Producers are being reminded they must clean their grain thoroughly before taking it to the elevator to sell.

Other causes of crop damage came from heavy rain, some hail, and strong winds.

The crop report has the harvest at 23 per cent complete with the most progress reported in the southwest and west central regions. Some producers in those regions say they are close to finishing.

The southeast is at 16 per cent, the east-central nine per cent, the northwest six per cent and the northeast four per cent.

Much of the province received rain during the week of Aug. 23 to 28. While southwest and west central received very minimal amounts, the other regions received enough heavy rain to lodge crops and further delay harvest. The Lake Lenore area received 92 mm, the Tisdale area 75 mm, and the Foam Lake area 35 mm.

Rain will further delay crop maturity in areas where the crop is still very green.