Local farmers say heat is starting to impact crops
Although the hot and sunny weather makes for a great day at the beach, local farmers are hoping for rain as their crops are starting to feel the heat.
Thirty days ago is the last time farmer Ed Pridham says his crops received a good rainfall.
"We've only had about nine millimetres of rain since June 12," Pridham said.
It's a concerning trend for local farmers who see signs of crops wilting.
"I saw corn starting to roll up this morning," Pridham said.
He says this year is drier so far than the previous two years, and the recent hot temperatures aren't helping.
"The plants aren't getting enough moisture to grow well and keep themselves opened up," Pridham said.
Over at Chappell Farms, owner Pauline Chappell is dealing with the same issue.
"We don't have irrigation on our farm, so we depend on rain. We'd like a nice rain every week," says Chappell.
Chappell says her crops have two or three days left until they'll be in trouble.
Chappell grows multiple crops ranging from sweet corn, tomatoes, beans, pumpkin, and zucchini. But the quality will go down severely without enough moisture at critical times.
"The produce is smaller and not as tender and juicy as you want," says Chappell.
Farmers are checking crops daily, already concerned about yields this year.
"We've had two pretty good years of great yields. I don't see it happening again if this continues much longer," says Pridham.
The timing and amount of rain and sunshine are the variables farmers are constantly dealing with.
"We live or die by the weather. If we get too much rain, it drowns out our crop, which isn't good. If we don't get enough rain and our crops produce next to nothing, that's not good," says Pridham.
Pridham says the next few days are critical for himself and other farmers.
He's hoping for enough moisture so that his crops will rebound from the early stages of wilting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.