Drought creating a crisis, agricultural federation says

The president of the HamiltonWentworth Federation of Agriculture is calling the ongoing severe drought a crisis for some farmers as they watch their crops wilt in the fields.

Melvin Switzer says the second crop of hay — vital for dairy and beef cattle — is suffering, with some farmers concerned they may have to buy hay for their animals.

Farmers managed to have their first cutting of hay with little problem, he said, but with the intense heat and limited rainfall — despite the morning downpour on July 25 — the second cutting is in serious trouble.

Also in trouble are corn, soybean and bean crops, he says.

“It is a crisis. The dairy farmers are very, very concerned.”

Flamborough councillor and farmer Robert Pasuta has been “on my hands and knees” wishing for rain.

“I have never seen it like this before,” he said. “The only thing that is growing is weeds.”

He said grain corn is in dire need of water. His corn should be seven or eight feet now, but it’s about half that.

The soybeans are flowering, but with the dry conditions the stems are not strong enough to hold the flowers and they are trying to protect themselves, he says.

Some farmers are able to irrigate, but it’s expensive and time consuming. They also have to watch how they take the water from ponds so it can be replenished. The only saving grace, said Pasuta, is the cool evenings that allow crops time to recover a bit.

“We need a good deal of rain, maybe a day or two.”

LeaAnne Wuermil, communications manager for the Beef Farmers of Ontario, says the organization is sending out a survey to its members seeking information on how the drought is affecting their herds. She said it’s the first step in gathering information in case their members seek compensation from the various levels of government.

“We are assessing the situation,” she said.

Phil Tregunno, chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board, called the drought in Niagara and Hamilton “historic.”

Farmers endured similar severe weather conditions in 2012, but this season the combination of high temperatures and a dry wind sucks up any moisture that does fall, contributing to a more difficult situation.

“We have had dry spells,” he said. “But this is pretty extreme.”

Tregunno, who operates at 280hectare farm in Niagara-on-theLake, says the first fruit crop has been smaller, particularly peaches, but they are sweet and tasty with the raised sugar content caused by the sun.