Optimism for a good summer growing among southern Alberta’s farmers

Late May and early June’s rain had plenty of farmers excited for the growing season’s outlook.

Now that the rain has passed, they’re taking stock of just how big of an impact it will have.

The latest crop report shows most in the south are set up well for the summer.

Just over 86 per cent of crop land in the south has either good or excellent soil-moisture conditions.

Much of the groundwater beneath farmlands has also been restored.

Despite all the rain, only one per cent is considered excessive.

Now, that moisture will give farmers breathing room come July and August.

“I’ve said it before—Mother Nature really makes our paycheque for us. Even fields that you can irrigate on a dry year, it doesn’t do as good as if you get the rainfall from the sky,” said farmer Sean Stanford.

“So, it’s been a big relief getting this rain that we have, and we’ll be grateful to get some more whenever we get the chance.”

More rain is expected later this week, but not in the amounts seen earlier this month.