One brighter spot for Saskatchewan crops is in southeast Saskatchewan.

The crop extension specialist in Weyburn, Sherri Roberts, says the southeast has received spotty rainfall this growing season, and many farmers are expecting an average crop.

However, the drought has also affected pockets in the southeast.

She has seen thin crops in barley, oats and canola.

Roberts adds grasshoppers have become a problem and some farmers have been spraying to control the insects.

She adds crop diseases like ergot and fusarium are an issue as well.

But overall, she expects average crops in the region.

While the southeast may have close to a normal yield, crop extension specialists in the southwest and many other areas are forecasting sharply lower yields this summer due to widespread drought.