More rain needed for Simcoe County farmers
The irrigation systems are running full blast in the Holland Marsh as farmers grapple with dry conditions.
Avia Eek grows carrots and onions on 85 acres of land. She said the farm is ahead of last year's pace when it comes to seeding, but the lack of rain is a growing concern this year.
"Right now, the challenge we are faced with is it is dry; it's really, really dry," said Eek.
She said farmers tend to irrigate through the night to avoid heavy winds and evaporation from the sun. Although, she says farmers are now forced to irrigate during the day.
"You can see irrigation running now, and that just tells you just how important it is to get that water on the crops," said Eek.
Jim Partridge is a farmer with 1,400 acres in Oro Medonte, Ont., and he says he is also facing challenges with the recent dry spell.
"Nothing grows without water—it's as simple as that," said Partridge.
Partridge grows soybeans, corn and wheat and similar to many farmers, he doesn't have an irrigation system, so he depends on rain. He believes that local farmers are experiencing a moderate drought, and it could soon affect produce supply.
"It will certainly equate to a shortage of product which of course increases prices like supply and demand. That's what will happen if it doesn't rain soon," said Partridge.
Several local farmers told CTV news the crops being harvested right now are in pretty good shape considering the lack of rain. The corn, for example, at Partridges farm is almost up to his knees, which according to him, is usually a good sign for the season.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.