Dry July raises major concerns for N.S. farmers
Prolonged dry weather creates challenges for Nova Scotia farmers this summer
Farmers across Nova Scotia are grappling with extremely dry weather conditions after receiving little rain this July. The prolonged dry spell is straining crops, with many producers reporting significant challenges.
Derek Pietersma, a wheat and corn farmer, says the lack of rainfall led to an early wheat harvest to prevent further drying of the crop.
"It hasn’t rained much here for the last six weeks,” Pietersma shared.
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He added that corn, typically resilient in the region's dykelands, is also being affected.
"When corn needs water, its leaves start to curl up to conserve moisture. If dykeland corn is curling, the soil is dry."
Dry conditions on a wheat field in Canning, N.S. | Nathan Coleman
Apple farmer Peter Elderkin notes that established apple trees remain stable for now, but newly planted saplings with underdeveloped roots are struggling.
"This dry weather is causing severe stress for trees planted this year or last year," Elderkin explained.
He also highlighted difficulties with shallow-rooted crops like vegetables, requiring about 2.5 cm of water weekly—well above the monthly averages seen recently.
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Farmers across the province continue to watch the weather and hope for rain soon. Without significant precipitation, widespread impacts on crop yields could follow.