Cattle in Saskatchewan. (Photo 110980900 © Pictureguy66 | Dreamstime.com)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Much Needed

‘It’s priceless’: Sask. farmers happy for large snowfall

Mar 4, 2024 | 2:19 PM

You may have heard a large sigh of relief across Saskatchewan over the weekend.

While most people weren’t happy to see the large amount of snow most of the province received, the same can’t be said for farmers who have been asking for it since the start of winter.

It’s needed to help ensure the soil gets enough moisture ahead of seeding and gives cattle another source of water.

Kerry Peterson, a Shellbrook area farmer, told farmnewsNOW it should alleviate a lot of concerns across the sector.

“It’s really good for the cattle guys, (it’ll) fill up some dugouts, fields will get some moisture… it’s priceless,” he said.

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While Peterson probably wasn’t losing sleep over the lack of snow, it was an issue that crept into his mind from time to time. He explained he tried to remain optimistic that a sizable storm, like the one over the weekend, would happen eventually.

“Usually we get some big [snowfalls] in March and April and sometimes even in May,” he said while laughing after being asked if he could see into the future.

The recent snowfall was also good news for Agnes Morgenstern, a producer in the Barthel area near Loon Lake.

She said she wasn’t too concerned over the past couple of months, noting she enjoyed the nice weather for the time of year.

“I didn’t mind having it earlier, but it was nice to see (more snow).”

However, Morgenstern did explain that this snowfall didn’t come at the best time for her.

“It’s very unhandy in the middle of calving season but you got to take what you can get,” she said.

Thankfully, Morgenstern had no issues providing water for her cattle over the winter. This latest snow, once it melts, will be used as a top-up moving forward.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @princealbertnow