Saskatchewan

Broiling temperatures continue to damage crops in Saskatchewan

The already dry conditions in Saskatchewan's farm belt continue to worsen, according to this week's provincial crop report.

Only 14% of cropland has 'adequate' moisture

Crops on farmland near Regina are showing signs of heat stress. (Kirk Fraser/CBC)

The already dry conditions in Saskatchewan's farm belt continue to worsen.

That's the grim summary of this week's provincial crop report.

Some farmers are doing OK, but many others have been dealing with adversity. Only about 14 per cent of farmland has adequate moisture, the report says.

In the past week, farms have been damaged by hot temperatures, hot dry winds, grasshoppers and severe hail storms.

Rainfall has been minimal, with some exceptions. The Foam Lake area received about 64 millimetres this past week.

The report warns that without significant rainfall, producers in many areas will see yields and quality severely impacted.

The province is also reminding producers that the Farm Stress Line is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. The toll free number is 1-800-667-4442.

Only 14 per cent of cropland was considered to have adequate moisture (green areas on map) this past week. The tan, orange and red areas show where moisture is considered short or very short of what's required. (Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture)