Dry conditions for farmers across Saskatchewan

A dry year has left Saskatchewan dealing with fires in its north, and near drought in the south.

The fires are subsiding up north due to efforts by people on the ground, as well as rainfall. In much of the south, there’s no such cooperation.

Some producers have been lucky, and recently had some rainfall for their crops. But for many others, rain is still needed.

“We’re still dry. But for lots of (the crops), rain would be too late on them, because they’re dried up already,” said Sol Hofer.

Hofer farms 20,000 acres of land 25 kilometres east of Maple Creek, and has hardly seen any rain this year.

“The grass she’s never even greened up. She’s been brown since May,” said Hofer.

The rural municipality of Maple Creek, RM 111, has filed for disaster assistance with the province due to the dryness.

Hofer is hoping for some rain this week, just in time for the years final seeding.

“I think it would still help a lot if we get rain this week. (Harvest) will be light, it will be very light. See the barley’s going to be all – the barley won’t (yield) 45 pounds,” said Hofer.

ASalloum@rawlco.com
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