Drought‑Driven Crop Decisions Hit US Grain and Canadian Harvest

In South Dakota, grain producers are urged to test wheat harvested for hay for nitrate levels before feeding it to livestock. Extension specialist Jaelyn Whaley explained that drought conditions raise nitrate concentrations, which can convert to toxic nitrite in animals, causing suffocation, abortions or death. The South Dakota State University Extension offers free nitrate testing at several locations, with more precise lab analysis available for a modest fee.

Meanwhile, in Saskatchewan, Canada, the provincial Ministry of Agriculture reports that hot, dry weather has accelerated crop development, allowing harvest to begin on some farms. Early‑seeded winter cereals are reaching maturity, with two percent of the province already harvested. However, many producers in other regions are still awaiting rain to improve soil moisture, which remains short or very short across large portions of cropland, hayland and pastures. Crop progress varies, with some cereals ahead of schedule and others lagging behind.