By Leah Murray

Drought conditions impacting farmers and ranchers

Aug 6, 2017 | 3:00 PM

Moose Jaw, SK – Agriculture Canada says there are severe drought conditions in much of southern Saskatchewan, with areas of extreme drought.

Environment Canada figures show Regina had only 1.8 millimetres of rain last month making it the driest July in 130 years.

A report from the Saskatchewan government said many pulse crops in southern and central areas are being desiccated. Reported yields so far range from average to well below average, depending on field and moisture conditions.

Many areas remain very dry and will need significant rain to fill crops and replenish topsoil moisture. For some producers in the south, crops are rapidly drying down and any rainfall now will come too late to be of benefit.

Saskatchewan’s Farm Stress Line is seeing a dramatic increase in calls as much of southern Saskatchewan deals with severe to extreme drought conditions.

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In July there were 59 calls to the Farm Stress Line compared to 16 last year.

Cattle producers in southern Saskatchewan are also facing poor grazing conditions and limited hay cutting because of the hot, dry weather and there is concern about feed shortages.