Local farmers started the spring off with optimism after some great weather in April but heavy rains over the last couple of weeks have left the fields a soggy mess and not ready for planting.
Prince Edward County farmer Lloyd Crowe, who is also District 13 Director of the Grain Farmers of Ontario, says it’s hard to not be discouraged.
” … ’cause it was so dry and now there’s just ponds everywhere. The ground is just soaked. And it’s been so cold and cloudy. We need some good drying days.”
He says it’s still early in May but they just don’t know what to expect.
“If it goes, you know, the 10th of May or something, that’s still pretty optimal timing for planting corn or soybeans. But the trouble is, are we gonna be able to go then? Is the rain holding off? Once it starts sunny and dry, we’ll be able to go? I don’t know, I hope so.”
While there is some favourable weather in the forecast, Crowe says it’s difficult because they are at the mercy of Mother Nature every spring.
He adds that farmers have warehouses full of seed waiting to be planted and every day planting is delayed, crop yields are reduced.
“Like you get into June and soybeans is one thing but corn, it’s not good. You get, maybe, half a crop once you get into the middle of June.”
Crowe says farmers have crop insurance for years when yields are low but low yields can have a ripple effect on the entire food chain.
