Drought, disease, fire, and pestilence. This year, it appears like Western Canada's farmers have seen a little bit of everything. You can now add grasshopper damage to the increasing list of issues that have affected drought-stricken farmers.
Adult grasshopper populations are higher than normal for this time of year throughout the three prairie provinces, according to the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN).
The conditions are favourable for rapid insect growth and increased egg-laying activity, which might lead to even more serious issues next year.
According to James Tansey, Saskatchewan's Insect Pest Management Specialist, the province is seeing four different species of grasshoppers: two-striped, packards, migratory, and clearwing. He notes each of these are showing minor outbreaks in different regions of the province. Tansey also observed that control items appear to be in low supply.
One farmer in the province's southeast part has reported a serious grasshopper problem, claiming that he sprayed his fields three times and spent over $60,000 to safeguard his crops.
Producers should be aware of the species they are working with, as various species have distinct dietary preferences.