Local farmers hope for rain as eastern Ontario dry spell ruins crops

Some farmers in eastern Ontario say they're struggling amid a prolonged dry spell.

Heat waves have swept the region in recent weeks, and rainfall has been minimal.  A spokesperson for Environment Canada said eastern Ontario saw only about 50 per cent of the normal expected rainfall in July, when compared to the last 20 years of historical data.

Because of that, many crops have been left out to dry.

"It's been a lot keeping everything alive," said Brandy Jackson, who owns Fly Creek Farm in North Augusta, Ont.

Jackson said she's been irrigating what she can on her flower and vegetable farm but has had to let some crops go.

"It's kind of picking [the crops] that are the most important, and leaving the other ones just to succumb," she said Sunday at the Barrhaven Farmers' Market. 

She planted extra to adjust to the loss, but it's still frustrating.

Jackson isn't the only one struggling, however.

By this time of year, Dan Kristolaitis would be in the thick of the tomato harvest.

Kristolaitis grows about 300 cherry and 100 beefsteak tomato plants at Still Growing Farm in Winchester, Ont. But this year, harvest has been delayed by about a month, and Kristolaitis says he's only been able to harvest six pints of cherry tomatoes so far this season.

"As a farmer you kind of carry on and roll with the punches," Kristolaitis said from his stall at the Elgin Street Market on Sunday.

"There's not much you can do. Every season is different and this is just one of those outstanding seasons for issues with the weather."

'Abnormally dry'

According to Agriculture Canada, some areas of eastern Ontario have seen drought conditions this summer due to high temperatures.

If drought is present, the department will evaluate the severity of that drought on a scale of zero to four.

Current conditions in eastern Ontario indicate either no drought is present or rank the drought at level zero, considered "abnormally dry."

Because of low water levels, some municipalities and conservation areas are warning residents to be careful of the amount of water they're using. 

South Nation Conservation issued a "level one" low water advisory on Aug. 1, saying water levels could become an issue.

To the west, residents of Carleton Place, Ont., are under a "yellow" or "conserve" advisory, after being under a "red" or "limit" advisory for much of July.

The red alert is used when water usage is high, placing the water system at risk in the event of an emergency.

"Any time in the summer when there's excessive bouts of dry, hot weather, I think it's a great idea to be mindful of our water use," said Coun. Sarah Cavanagh. 

Cavanagh added that residents can do their part by staggering lawn watering and limiting water-intensive activities like washing vehicles.

This week's forecast won't provide much relief. Minimal scattered showers are expected in eastern Ontario, with predicted daily highs into the 30s.