It's been a warm, dry start to winter, but winter cereal growers are hoping they do get some snow cover before the cold temperatures do eventually set in.

Brent Flaten, Integrated Pest Management Specialist for the Ministry of Agriculture, 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 gonna get some cold temperatures that might threaten that winter wheat crop, we need some snow definitely coming into December, January, even right up until March."

The cold hardiness of winter wheat is actually increasing said Flaten, "so it can withstand decreasing soil temperatures until it reaches maximum cold hardiness in about November, December and then it starts swinging the other way when it starts to lose winter hardiness."

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