District 6 - Directors Report April 28, 2011
The snow pack has melted nicely this spring, with more absorption then maybe expected. Still, low spots and pot holes are as full as they have ever been. There have been road closure's due to flood waters in many RM's.
The North Battleford area experienced lower snow fall then some area's this winter and is hoping for a traditional seeding date this spring. Warm weather is needed for many area's to bring soil temperature's up. There is still snow in ditches, trees and parts of fields in some RM's. Most municipality's will not be seeding on normal date's once again this year.
Many producers have been pushing to be ready the moment they can go over the land, as time maybe of the essence this spring. Scouting fields with a quad or off road bike maybe necessary to prevent getting stuck in unusual places with the water accumulation in unusual spots.
Over all mood is fairly positive among producers with strong prices in Canola and projected Wheat price's.
Jeff Simpson
Past Report:
It has been a year with tremendous ups and downs for producers in district 6 this year. The season started out with a very dry run that lasted for several weeks and months in some locations. When moisture did arrive it was to late for some area's. Many crops needed moisture much sooner, pasture and hay crops were no exception.
The hay crop will not be adequate with cattlemen concerned about supply for the winter. This has been a problem from one side of the province to the other.
Many area's to date have received ample amounts of moisture that has turned the yield outlook into a positive. The challenge for producers now is beating the frost man. Many more days of sunny warm weather are needed to bring this crop in. Most areas are 3-4 weeks behind normal.
The areas that didn't receive rain soon enough have been forced to spray out fields, some large operations will harvest very few acres of cereals and canola.
There are reports of cattle struggling to gain weight in the west.
Harvest has arrived in the southern part of the district with average yields reported. Producers are looking for hot dry weather now, with the late crops appearing to be above average, but still behind.
Approximately once per month the two Directors of APAS representing District 6 will be publishing a short report that will outline the specific activities and events that they have attended as part of the Board of Directors or as members of specific committees.