Promising Crop Gives Saskatchewan Farmer Reason to Be Optimistic Amid Rising Costs

Saskatchewan farmer Jared Haight is feeling optimistic about his crops this year, describing them as visually impressive midway through the growing season. Haight, owner and operator of Hundred Acre Farms near Hanley, Sask., noted that his fields have transformed from bare earth to vibrant green durum and bright yellow canola.

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Generally, we’re excited. As a team, we’ve put in a lot of long hours and a lot of hard work. So, it’s nice to see where it is.

"Generally, we’re excited," Haight said. "As a team, we’ve put in a lot of long hours and a lot of hard work. So, it’s nice to see where it is." He considers a crop this good a rarity, estimating only two or three such years over a decade. His team has been diligently spraying for fusarium and utilizing massive pivots for irrigation to ensure optimal moisture levels.

However, Haight remains cautious, aware that farming fortunes can change rapidly. A single hailstorm, excessive rain, or prolonged drought can undo months of labor in minutes. The immediate focus is on protecting the crop from potential threats.

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Every day we check to see what is going on in this Straight [of Hormuz]. We check to see where fuel prices are at.

Beyond weather, global events are creating significant uncertainty, particularly concerning fuel prices. Haight closely monitors the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, acknowledging its impact on his bottom line. This season, his fuel expenses are approximately 40% higher than last year. With plans to use 120,000 liters of fuel for planting and harvesting, this increase represents a substantial financial burden.

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And that is a big impact. We’re going to use 120,000 litres to put the crop in the ground and to harvest it. And another 30 or 40 percent on that, that’s a pretty big number.