Southeast-area farmers are getting anxious to start seeding. However, the snow cover continues to prevent local farmers from making any spring preparations.
Southeast-area farmers are getting anxious to start seeding. However, the snow cover continues to prevent local farmers from making any spring preparations.
Weyburn-area farmer Jeff Gaab admits he's worried about how late seeding might go this spring.
Looking at his seed drill under a four to five-foot snowdrift, along with his discer, harrows and land roller, he estimated if snow-melting temperatures came right now, it will still be well into May before he'll be able to get out on the land for seeding.
He guesses his fields have a blanket of some 18 inches to two feet right now.
"There's not a lot we can do about it. The weather is sure taking its time," said Gaab.
Asked if his seeding plans might need altering at all, he said some of the crops will be fine, like canola, and said he might dry an extra load of barley seed; some crops, like durum, won't do well with a shortened growing season, so depending when seeding can actually start, some of his plans may have to be changed.
He added if the weather cooperates for the summer and fall, "it could all still be good."
Midale-area farmer Brad Eggum is another farmer who is concerned with all the snow cover, as his land is still 90 per cent covered.
"There is some melting, but not enough. It is frustrating not to do a lot of our spring preparations, and there is no indication that we would be close to seeding," said Eggum. "We are steady on the helm, but some farmers are starting to rethink things in the back of our minds."
Plans that are being reconsidered include which crops farmers might start with, when they are able to seed, and which land they will access first, depending on spring thaw.
One delay is accessing tractors, equipment and other machines that are in need of maintenance, especially when they are covered by snow.
"The weather network is telling us if we wait a week, it will get warmer," said Eggum. "However, they have been telling us that for the last six weeks."
"Certainly, everyone is concerned because we have such a little buffer during spring," said Marcel Van Staveren. While he is seeing the snow melt into the ground, the concern is for rains during May and June.
Van Staveren said that he prepared for spring seeding by investing in seeding equipment. "We were in a comfortable position before, but now with the obvious delays we are no longer comfortable. We are speaking to our neighbours to ensure that we have the seeding help we will need. We also want another air drill so we can seed faster."
When considering cropping alternatives, Van Staveren said that many farmers are looking at low-risk crops, such as canola, barley or oats. For his own operations, he will be heavier in canola, but have few wheat acres.
Van Staveren feels with good weather during May and June, he will be able to utilize his seeding equipment and neighbours help to get his acres in.
"We are disciplined enough to quit, if it comes to that. We won't plant beyond June 10, but we will hug that date as close as possible if we get good seeding weather."
For Dale Paslawski, he is still optimistic that he can start seeding in May.
"If it starts to rain in May, that will do some damage. But from what I am seeing right now, the moisture is going right into the ground."
"We are seeing good grain prices, but a lot of guys are changing their seeding profiles to have a short-season crops," said Paslawski.
"The producers who have lots of acres or bigger operations are under more pressure right now because they can't afford to loose a day. When we finally do get to access the fields, they will be going day and night to get in as much seeding as they can."
Paslawski said that the winter weather has been a nightmare for cattle producers, especially if they have calving operations. "This is the worst possible spring for cattle producers, they are fighting in the mud, they have no bedding, and their yards are all torn up right now."
"This has been a stupid spring for melting, and it is a bit depressing for everyone, even in the city," said Paslawski.
According to Paslawski, there is still lots of time before farmers will have to seed either canola or soybeans.
There are producers who will have to wait for the soil temperatures to warm up, so they get good seed germination.
"I am seeing a few open fields without much water. But there are some guys who are worried about drainage," said Paslawski.
