The lack of snow to start the year is disconcerting—but the President of the Agriculture Producers Association of Saskatchewan says most farmers are remaining optimistic.

Ian Boxall from Tisdale says there are backstops that assist producers if we have another dry year.

The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency says most areas are heading into 2024 with below to well below topsoil moisture levels. The worst conditions are in western Saskatchewan—from Lloydminster in the north, Outlook in the east and Maple Creek in the south.

The southeast is the only region not currently in the moderate to high risk drought zone.