While many Ontarians are enjoying an unexpected taste of spring this fall, Simcoe County farmers have even more reason to appreciate the break from colder temperatures. From cornfields to pastures, the mild October and November weather has made life a little easier on the farm, giving producers extra time to finish harvesting and prepare for winter. Farmers welcome mild conditions Keith Currie, former president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, says the warm weather has been a welcome bonus for farmers around the region. With soybean and corn harvest wrapped up, the mild conditions have allowed farmers to get work done without battling rain, mud or freezing temperatures. Still, those double-digits come with a few challenges. Currie says mosquitoes, flies and other pests could stick around. While farmers aren’t necessarily eager for winter to arrive, a good blanket of snow would be welcome. Snow helps protect winter wheat from harsh temperatures and provides much-needed moisture when spring arrives, says Currie. Consistent temperatures are also important for livestock, as sudden swings between warm and cold can lead to respiratory problems. Comfortable temperatures ease livestock stress At Stone Horse Farm in Innisfil, the warmer weather has been a hit for some of its four-legged residents. Owner Lisa Peterson says her 60 pigs have been enjoying the comfortable temperatures, spending their days outdoors digging for roots in the pasture. Peterson says it’s been one of the nicest falls the farm has experienced in years. When temperatures fluctuate or drop, the pigs are more likely to head inside the barn. The lack of heavy rain has also been a plus, helping keep conditions dry and reducing some of the concerns associated with damp weather and livestock illness. Fields stay firm through early November Meanwhile, near Stayner, farmer Ed Pridham has already wrapped up his harvest. Pridham, a director with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, says corn yields were strong, thanks to the extra time the crop had to mature. With little rain to turn fields into muddy messes, farmers have been able to finish much of their fall work already. Pridham says the mild conditions should also give newly planted winter wheat a good start. But despite the favourable weather, there’s one thing farmers aren’t celebrating, grain prices. Pridham estimates prices have dropped about 20 per cent since September, cutting into income. With colder temperatures on the way, farmers are keeping an eye on what this winter has in store. In the meantime, they’re making the most of the pleasant weather while it lasts.
