By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Crops almost devastated says Peace Region producer

Jul 16, 2021 | 5:30 AM

The chair of Grain Growers of Canada says “it is almost devastating what we are seeing” in this year’s crop.

Valhalla farmer Andre Harpe says the recent record high temperatures surpassing 40 degrees has really taken a toll for area farmers.

“The heat has been extended. Crops have never had a chance to recover. We’re very thankful for the rain coming. It will help fill what is there, but crops are going to be extremely reduced this year.”

He says it is too early to predict what yield there might be and there is still a chance of getting more than expected.

“Just whatever seed has been produced, although there is not going to be a lot of seed, it’s going to fill that seed, so we have bigger seed,” said Harpe.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“(The rain is) definitely going to help but it’s not going to be a huge help anymore. Some of the later-seeded crops maybe but overall, it’s not going to be a huge, huge difference anymore.”

Environment Canada is calling for rain this weekend, perhaps 20 to 40 millimetres, in the Peace Region into early next week.

Harpe says the dry conditions reach from Manitoba to B.C.

“Governments are starting to pay attention and, in fact, the Alberta government plus the Saskatchewan and Manitoba governments, have actually (stated) in the last day or so recognizing that there is an issue out there and that they are going to start working on it sooner rather than later.

Federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers met Thursday and the dry weather was one of the topics discussed.

Alberta Agriculture Minister Devin Dreeshen issued a statement that says that Ottawa has given a verbal commitment to a joint AgriRecovery Plan.

“The details of an AgriRecovery program are still being developed with industry and we will work with our provincial and federal counterparts to ensure that Alberta’s farmers and ranchers are supported,” says Dreeshen in that statement.

Harpe says some of the crops that are not in very good shape could still be used for livestock feed as hay is also in short supply.

Dreeshen’s statement adds “I have advised Alberta crop adjusters to be flexible and complete early assessments with affected crop and hay land – for example offering alternative use of crops to address forecasted feed shortages in our livestock industry.”