Harvest Delays and Rising Costs
Saskatchewan and Manitoba Farmers Face Harvest Delays and Spiraling Fuel Costs
Anonymous
Persistent rain, fog, dew and wet fields have delayed harvests across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, leaving farmers racing against shorter workdays and worsening crop quality. In Saskatchewan, just 41 percent of crops were harvested, compared with a five-year average of 82 percent, while producers also face sharply higher diesel and other input costs that threaten already tight margins. Farmers describe the combination of lost time, rising expenses and uncertainty as a significant source of stress. Agricultural and mental health organizations urge producers and their families to seek help, with confidential, no-cost counselling and other supports available in both provinces.
Key Points
1
The Grain Growers of Canada estimated that a large combine using about 16,800 litres of diesel over a 30-day harvest would cost roughly $33,600 to fuel at this year’s average price of $2 per litre, compared with about $18,500 last year—an increase of approximately $15,000 for one combine.
2
Saskatchewan farmer Jared Haight said wet evenings have cut four or five working hours from days that would normally stretch to 11 p.m. or midnight; he also described sitting out for 10 days to two weeks because of rain.
3
Manitoba’s Farmer Wellness Program offers farmers and their families up to six free counselling sessions per person. The service is delivered by professionals with agricultural backgrounds, and information is confidential.
4
Mental health experts say farmers may put off seeking help because of stigma and pressure to “push through” difficulties, even as farm-focused counselling services gain recognition and use in Manitoba.
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