The persistent drought in the western region of the province is a growing concern, along with the hot, dry conditions affecting crops and pastures, grasshoppers have added to the problems.
A number of RM's have or are considering declaring a local state of emergency.
Last week's crop report shows cropland topsoil moisture in the province has dropped to 21 percent adequate, 55 percent short and 24 percent very short.
In the west-central region, soil moisture levels continue to drop with cropland topsoil rated as 17 per cent adequate, 56 per cent short, and 27 per cent very short.
Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture n the region is currently 11 per cent adequate, 55 per cent short, and 35 per cent very short.
Keith Day, chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association says producers are looking for a decent rainfall.
"I've had several calls in the last week from producers in the west central area and southwest, it's really getting more serious by the day. In the last couple of days now it's cooled off some and there's been some showers in areas so the deterioration of the crop has slowed down somewhat. Lots of the crops I think are right on the edge of being basically zero production. So anything we can salvage from those crops would be a bonus."
The province recently announced it's doubling the low yield appraisal threshold values for cereal and pulse crops which should help with feed concerns, as farmers can sell the salvage crop to livestock producers that are trying to access feed without having to pay the high transportation costs.
Day says the SCA strongly advocated for this change to allow animals to take advantage of the poor condition crops.
He says while they don’t wish this type of situation on our fellow crop producers, we see this as a situation where we can help each other during these difficult times and we greatly appreciate it.
“We are grateful to have an Ag Minister and government that work closely with industry and responds when the need is there.”
The SCA points out that the announcement also comes on the heels of previous announcements to support cattle producers, including those with crown land leases.
- Through the 2023 Crown Grazing Lease Rental Reduction Program, lessees may be eligible for a rent reduction in situations where individual lessees or pasture associations must reduce stocking rates on leases by 20 per cent or more below the rated carrying capacity of their leased grazing land. Eligible lessees will have the 2023 grazing rent reduced by 20 to 50 percent.
To hear Glenda-Lee's conversation with SCA Chair Keith Day click on the link below.