Record rainfall and cool temperatures

LINDSAY — Rain in May in Peterborough and Victoria counties has been averaging between 120 and 140 mm, about 40 mm above the long term average.

Parts of Durham had 201 mm in May. Records aren’t in for June, says Neil Moore, who coordinates rain and heat records for the county soil and crop associations. But rainfall has been higher than in May.

Located at Lindsay, he says the heavy rainfall the third week of June missed some farmers. Some ditches were overflowing and some were almost empty, he said. He said weather stations had recorded anywhere from 1.3 inches to 4.5 inches in one night (June 18).

Most fields will have some low spots, which won’t rebound, he said. But the water for the most part has drained away, with tile drained fields in good conditions.

But heat has been a large part of the problem with this year’s crop. In May and June crop heat units are running about a third of normal. Usually the region gets about 600 crop heat units in June. This year the region is expected to get between 200 and 250.

The hay crops have grown but because of the frequent rain have been difficult to get off. Hay is lodged in many fields, and some of the haying equipment is putting ruts in fields. Joel Bagg, OMAF crop specialist, said farmers should check for heat in hay. They could be faced with mould or fire. Wrapped haylage has been very good, he says.

Through all the cold, cereals have prospered. Wheat stands look good all through the east. But some spring grains have been planted late and are running behind, says Moore.