With the lack or rain, and the dry, arid weather around the Southern Alberta region, one might expect more pressure on local farmers to turn a succesful crop yield.

Ag Fieldman for the M.D. of Foothills, Jeff Porter says, the dry weather has had some adverse effects to crops.

"We have been on the cutting edge of a drought this year, with some desiccation of crops."

Porter points to the pattern of rainfall as well, saying what little we have received have been in isolated, random regions.

"It seems the Southern Albertan pocket in particular has had a dry spell this year, whearas other regions in Alberta have had alot more. This season we missed out on those pivotal downpours to give our crops enough moisture."

Porter says, despite this years late seeding, they will be ready to harvest their crops fairly soon.

"By all accounts it seemed that this years harvest might have been late, but with recent rainfall, we expect to be on track."

Porter notes that other adverse conditions, that typically hamper the development of crop yield, haven't been a major issue this season.

"Hail hasn't been a major concern except for isolated, minor cases. Pests too, haven't cause us much grief."

Porter says this year's hay yields have been far below average.

"Despite all the snow we had this year, it seems that the moisture just hasn't stuck in the ground, hay yields and turf grass has been horrible."

Porter, along with other agricultural workers, look to August with hopes that it brings in some extra moisture, that was lacking in July.

 

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