The aftermath of excessive rain, and what it means for farmers and gardeners this summer
Posted June 5, 2024 5:43 pm.
Last Updated June 5, 2024 6:39 pm.
After potential draught conditions just over a month ago, and an abundance of rain following that, Winnipeg farmers are still optimistic for this season’s yield, while area gardeners are feeling more of the impacts.
“They say don’t plan before the May long weekend, you can get snow and whatnot, but nobody really talks about the rain,” said Felicia Palmer, a local gardener.
“I’ve just had enough, rain or shine I’m going to be out here in the rain, and I’m doing this.”
Palmer has been gardening for the last five years, and is hoping her garden this year will survive the elements, saying she knows far too well what too much rain can lead to.
“Last year was a bust because there was quite a bit of rain and the weeds got out of control because you just can’t get into it,” explained Palmer.
Even with the rain and storms seen in Winnipeg over the last few weeks, Palmer is really hoping for a good turnout.
“I’m looking at next week’s weather and it looks like we got a stretch of sun coming in which could really benefit this, if not more rain, this could be a total washout for me this year.”
Rain wasn’t just a worry for gardeners, it also adds stress to farmers hoping for a good yield this year, but Keystone Agricultural Producers President Jill Verwey says seeding percentages are just over 80 per cent, which is in line with prior years
“What’s holding us up right now is the increment rains that are not letting us get to the field to finish up seeding and secondly to get some timely spraying done,” explained Jill Verwey, the President of Keystone Agricultural Producers.
Verwey says for those who have had their seeding delayed due to the rain shouldn’t panic, as they still have until the 20th to get the majority of serials in the ground.
“I know there are going to be some low areas or corners of the field that maybe don’t get seeded this year due to some wet spots, but for the most part were hoping for a good year.”
