Temperatures dropped below freezing across a large area of western Saskatchewan and into central Alberta overnight, with the lows ranging from -1 Celsius to as much as -7, according to Environment Canada.

Another frost is also in the forecast for many areas Saturday morning, with lows in the -1 Celsius to -8 range expected in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Manitoba is largely forecast to remain frost free through the weekend, although Environment Canada is calling for temperatures near the freezing mark in many areas.

The cool temperatures were said to be creating some concerns for farmers with crops still left to be harvested. However, the larger concern now is the wetness that is causing delays in many areas, according to market participants.

The frost will cause a few quality issues, but for most producers the crops are mature enough that a frost won't create problems anymore, said Ken Ball, a broker with Union Securities in Winnipeg. He said the wetness and the coolness in general was a much larger concern for producers now.

"Many growers are now saying that the frost is a good thing," said Ball noting that the frost will terminate the growing cycle and reduce the need for desiccation in many cases.

-By Phil Franz-Warkentin, Dow Jones Newswires; 204-947-1700;

resnews@shawbiz.ca

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 17, 2010 10:27 ET (14:27 GMT)