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Taber corn. (Lethbridge News Now)
Corn

Taber corn will likely arrive a little late this summer

Jul 19, 2019 | 8:16 AM

TABER, AB – You might have to wait another few weeks before Taber corn is widely available.

James Johnson, Owner and Operator of Johnson Fresh Farms and a board member of the Alberta Vegetable Growers Association, says the weather has not been too kind for much of this year.

“It was an early spring, but a cold spring – it never really warmed up. We had some really cold nights, there were some negative nines, negative 10’s and that really set the crop back and it never really warmed up after that so it took a long time to get the ground to warm up.”

While he cannot speak for all farmers growing corn in the area, he believes the same has been true for most of the fields across the region.

Typically, corn growers in the area aim to have their products harvested and hitting store shelves by the end of July.

Johnson says they should be able to have at least some of their corn on the market by then, but he is not sure how much of it will be available immediately or when the rest of their supply will be out.

The last couple of weeks have been much hotter and sunnier than the rest of the growing season, though, so he is optimistic they will be able to pick up the pace to prevent any lengthy delays.

According to Johnson, it is the unique combination of hot days, cool nights, and exceptional soil that gives Taber corn its distinct sweetness.