While the agriculture industry is focused on the backlog of grain awaiting shipping, another threat looms.

Farmers will have a late start getting into the fields if the cold weather continues through April, Horizon Fertilizer Inc. manager Gary Pappenfoot told Bolt FM.

"What would normally take five weeks, we'd have to cram into three or four. There will be logistics problems, especially if we get any rain during seeding, guys are in a hurry, someone could get hurt (if they’re) not careful.”

Wednesday’s forecast high of -4 C for Humboldt is below average, and the area is also sitting under 49 centimetres of snow.

The grain backlog is costing farmers $11,000 to $13,000 a day in demurrage fees as ships wait at port for grain.

Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan President Todd Lewis has written to the Federal Ag Minister and Transport Minister asking that railways be held responsible for the bill.

Pappenfoot said the effects of the backlog haven’t yet affected Horizon Fertilizer, but that could change if it continues into the May busy season.

“If someone can’t pay their bills, that affects anyone’s business.”