Prairie farmers face harvest delays and crop losses due to heavy rain

Heavy rainfall across the Canadian Prairies is significantly delaying harvests and causing substantial crop losses for grain farmers in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba.

In Saskatchewan, only 32 per cent of crops have been harvested, well below the five-year average of 71 per cent. Farmers report that widespread precipitation has made it difficult to find crops dry enough for combining, with some producers noting that the volume of rain received since late August is atypical for the region.

Alberta is also seeing delays, with 21 per cent of crops harvested compared to a 43.5 per cent average. Officials warn that cool temperatures and weekend showers may continue to stall progress and potentially decrease grain quality.

In Manitoba, rainfall in Brandon has reached 173 per cent of the average for the month. Farmers in the Westman region report that high moisture levels are forcing difficult decisions; some are harvesting wheat at a high risk of spoilage to prevent sprouting, while others must wait for canola to dry, risking significant financial losses as crops dwindle in the fields.