Crop yields surprised Sask. farmers following dry season

With this year’s crop in the bin, growers are considering what yields were like in a year of low rainfall and high heat. Comparing the 10-year Saskatchewan average yield for major crops with Saskatchewan Agriculture yield estimates indicates yields did rather well in a year when rain was scarce and heat smothering. Canola, the king of crops, averaged 34 bushels per acre across the province. That yield is about 10 per cent more than the 10-year average of 31 bushels.

Price is up a tad so canola farmers are better off this year.

Hard red spring wheat averaged 43 bushels an acre, same as in 2016 with prices increased about six per cent. Durum averaged 34 bushels, one bushel less than the long term average. Lentil yields came in at 1,369 pounds an acre, just 3.6 per cent less than last fall. Lentil prices are down between five and 25 per cent year over year, depending on the variety.

Peas averaged 33 bushels, one less than the average. Prices increased between eight and 20 per cent.

Mustard averaged 746 pounds an acre — a 24 per cent reduction — with prices up between 12 and 40 per cent this fall. Flax prices are stable but yield rose one bushel to 22.

Barley, at a 63 bushel yield, declined about 11 per cent. A five per cent boost in prices did not offset yield losses. Grades were good with the majority in the top two grades.

As producers clean up their fall work of fencing, fertilizing, hauling bales and grain, they ponder about the good luck with this crop.

Rain in the fall of 2016 saturated soil and gave struggling crops the moisture they needed. Hugh humidity kept crops growing.

As of this fall, the soil across most of Saskatchewan is less than ideal. Without lots of rain or snow soaking into it, that soil will have no moisture next crop year. Only 40 per cent of soil is rated adequate for moisture. Thirty-seven per cent is rated short and 23 per cent is very short.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net