Despite the difficulties of flash flooding in areas such as Estevan and Yorkton, Canora farmers are giving the recent rainfall a warm welcome.
This farming season has been rather dry, Dan Owen, agronomy manager of Prairie Soil Services Ltd. explained. There has only been two to three inches of rain in the area the entire season, so the extra two to five inches the recent rainfall offered was timely.
“The crops really needed it,” Owen said.
The 2016 farming year had a start similar to the prior year, being so dry, but fortunately, the soil was wet, and so the farmers seeded into soil with better moisture. The cool summer has also assisted the crops and made everything from canola to wheat and barley thrive.
One issue for the year has been an infestation of cutworms, which are especially attracted to these thriving crops. Farmers are back in the fields spraying to try to prevent damage.
“Many farmers have asked me if it’s too late to do a fungicide,” Owen said.
He explained that though the crops are big now, the conditions are conducive to disease. Farmers need to spray their fields at least once and be vigilant throughout the season to stop any signs of fungi or pests.
Above all, Owen reminds farmers to look for the silver lining during the farming season.
“I know some farmers already gave up because they were worried about a cold winter. I don’t think there’s any need for that.”
