After severe grasshopper infestations in some drier parts of southwest and west-central Saskatchewan this past year—there are concerns about populations for 2023.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture grasshopper forecast map shows the worst problems are expected in the Milden, Elrose and Eston areas more than an hour southwest of Saskatoon. The map is based on adult grasshopper counts at more than 1,100 locations around the province..

The written comment accompanying the forecast map says two-striped grasshoppers were widespread this year. Potentially economic damaging populations were found at 31 sites with more moderate counts at 181 other locations around the province.

Of the 1134 surveyed sites, only ten did not have any adult grasshoppers.

The extended dry and warm late summer and fall in many parts of the province meant good conditions for grasshopper egg laying.

The biggest concern will be for farmers planning to seed lentils because the crop is more sensitive to grasshopper damage and counts were high enough in many parts of west-central, southwest and south-central Saskatchewan to cause at least  moderate damage next year..