INNISFAIL - As dry conditions and extreme heat across Alberta have prompted recent fire bans across Red Deer County, farmers across the Innisfail, Penhold and Bowden areas can expect a good harvest, but low yields.
While this has meant no hotdog roasts, s'mores or bonfires for many trying to enjoy the final days of summer (certified gas firepits and cooking appliances were still permitted), farmers have been thrust into full harvest season.
Cody McIntosh, interim agricultural manager with the county, said with the dry conditions, harvest has come fast; with no rain, crop yields are producing high quality grain that has a decreased chance of spoiling or rotting.
“The dry conditions are affecting crops and how fast they are maturing,” said McIntosh, adding farmers have to work quickly to get their crops harvested.
But, those aforementioned dry conditions – which have persisted all summer – mean farmers' crop yields are average or below average for the county; farms further south have it just as bad, if not worse.
McIntosh added the recent fire bans were a concern for farmers; with the extreme heat and dry conditions, farmers have to be aware of an increased chance of equipment fires in fields with dry straw and crop. Even parked vehicles can spark a grass fire.
“People have to be aware of that as they are harvesting,” said McIntosh.
Farmers need to be blowing and cleaning out equipment and machinery much more frequently to prevent overheating and material buildup in radiators and other areas that have the potential to spark.
This is a stark contrast to last year's harvest, where many farmers were waiting weeks to fill their buckets.
While most farmers prefer a quick harvest to a long, drawn-out one like last year, it's hard work, and manpower can be an issue.
“It's exhausting,” said McIntosh, “but it's good for the harvest.”
McIntosh said he has seen farmers working in the fields, running the machines in the dark with their lights on to ensure they get everything finished on time.
Cody McIntosh, interim agricultural manager for Red Deer County
"The dry conditions are affecting crops and how fast they are maturing."
