Dry conditions driving early harvest

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on July 28, 2021.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

Hot, dry conditions are driving an early harvest in Southeast Alberta and Southwest Saskatchewan, the two provinces’ latest crop reports state.

The Saskatchewan ministry of agriculture reports that about half of fall and spring cereals, oilseed and pulse crops are ahead of schedule, heading out as heat speeds up the growing cycle.

The most recent Alberta crop report dates from July 13, but last week Alberta announced insurance adjusters would be allowed to direct more claims for stunted crops to move more quickly toward becoming green feed for cattle.

In conjunction with Ottawa, Alberta is doubling previous low yield allowance levels, allowing earlier harvest without penalty on badly stunted crops.

In terms of hay, the most recent Alberta crop report states dryland hay yield estimates were only slightly behind the five-year average at 900 kg per acre, in the region including Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost and Strathmore, but with 60% estimated to be in poor condition.

Across the province, some areas are expecting a once-in-50-years low in terms of moisture.

The situation is worse in Southwest Saskatchewan, where 83% of hay land and pasture is considered very short of moisture, dryland yields range around half of one tonne, and many producers do not expect a second cut.

Field reporters and ministry analysts say more moisture is desperately needed in order to recharge soil and fill dugouts to avoid long-term drought conditions spreading into next year.

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