Winter started warm with a lack of snow cover, but this hasn't caused much concern for farmers yet.

Integrated pest management specialist with Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture Brent Flaten says winter wheat can withstand decreasing soil temperatures until it reaches maximum cold hardiness in November or December, and then it starts to lose that hardiness.

He says while the lack of snow is not a concern yet, they'll need it before the real cold temperatures start.

"The big worry is, when are we going to get some cold temperatures that might threaten that winter wheat crop?" He says. "We need some snow definitely coming into December, January, even right up until March."

Flaten adds farmers often get the biggest winter kill for winter cereals in March when a thaw is followed by a cold snap.