John Ippolito, Regional Crop Specialist in Kindersley, says this will be a unique year. "Almost every other year I can recollect, we get the harvest done in the fall. Unfortunately, this year some harvest will be done in the spring."
Producers will have to wait until the fields dry out. One of the larger concerns when it comes to harvesting is that the large equipment will create large ruts in the field, causing problems when it comes seeding time. "It won't make for an ideal seed bed for seeding but it's one of the challenges we are going to have to deal with. The question right now is whether guys will go on as soon as the fields are dry enough to go on or wait a little longer until the green is dry as well."
Seeding is expected to be delayed due to this spring harvest. Ippolito mentions that some producers may choose to seed first, "In some cases it is preferred to seed what they can first and then harvest the remainder. Then seed that part second. I don't know if guys will be inclined to do that because it can turn the whole seeding plan up side down."
The crop that is harvested is expected to be a lower grade says Ippolito,"It was kind of destined to be a feed grain, even what was harvested last fall. It will still be a feed grain although in worse condition than it was last fall. I guess we're hoping that it is marketable into the feed channel in some form."
A few producers are looking at having a controlled burn to start fresh this season but Ippolito says he does not see many producers following through with that plan. "How many will actually burn, I'm not sure. I know we heard a little talk of it but historically, guys here are reluctant to burn. They'll try and find some other way to deal with all that residue so they can seed."
Farmers will have to harvest a sample or leave check strips on the field for crop insurance purposes.
Sat, May 11, 6:30 PM
