There could be the possibility of higher winterkill levels in fall-seeded crops.

Paul Thoroughgood is based in the Moose Jaw area and is the agriculture lead for Ducks Unlimited.

He says there was little snow cover for most of the winter in his area and was in poor condition for insulating crops like winter wheat and hybrid fall ryes.

He says he has soil probes and temperatures reached minus 22 which is a concern.

He says the potential for winter kill damage this spring is at a higher risk.

He says Saskatchewan has a low incidence of winterkill but he is worried this year.

In 24 years of farming, he says he has never had a winterkill event.

He says some farmers may have to consider re-seeding, but he cautions be patient.

He says take a look at your winter wheat or fall rye when half done their usual spring seeding.

He suggests plant counts to see if roots are in good shape.

He says don’t jump the gun, be patient.

He says seeded winter wheat acreage and fall rye dropped last fall due to higher spring wheat prices and due to a very dry fall period.

Paul Thoroughgood is based in the Moose Jaw area, and the agriculture lead with Ducks Unlimited.
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(with files from CJWW)