(File photo/farmnewsNOW staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Friday August 9, 2019

Aug 9, 2019 | 1:11 PM

Harvest operations have started in some isolated areas of the Saskatchewan grain belt.

Provincial crops analyst Cory Jacob said early maturing pulse crops and fall-planted cereals have been combined.

“There’s been some reports of earlier seeded crops being harvested, just the odd one, we have got some earlier peas, some of the earlier winter cereals that are just coming in and also a number of fields desecated,” Jacob said.

Jacob said most of the early harvested crops are in the southwest part of the grain belt.

There was some rainfall in the northeast and northwest part of the grain belt this week, improving crops and soil moisture.

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The majority of crop loss was from strong winds, hail, localized flooding, insects, and lack of moisture.

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The two national railways are gearing up to move this years crop to market.

The two railways have increased their grain car supply targets for the new crop year starting August first.

CP Rail has increased 200 cars per week and CN Rail has added 150 grain cars to the weekly target.

In winter, CP has added 250 cars and CN, 150 cars per week.

The executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association, Wade Sobkowich, is hoping for increased grain movement this year.

“It will depend on how well they can deliver on those numbers but if they can – theoretically we should have better movement this year than last year,” Sobkowich said.

Although there were some issues, Sobkowich said grain companies were relatively satisfied with railway performance in the last crop year.

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A pilot project which benefits rural Saskatchewan is being expanded.

Farm Credit Canada is doubling its investment to $100,000 to facilitate mental health first aid training for producers and people the agriculture industry.

Adelle Stewart with the Do More Agriculture Foundation said she’s happy with what they have accomplished so far.

“Some of the stories and testimonials that we have and continue to receive out of those communities, as well as feedback from the participants at each event was just outstanding and really humbling,” she said.

Training was offered last year in Lake Lenore, Lloydminster, and Unity.

Communities interested in offering workshops and training course can apply for funding later this fall through the do more ag website