Essex County farmers report strong harvest despite summer heat

(CTV News file image)

Harvest season is in full swing in the region with a decent crop coming along.

Leo Guilbeault, president of the Essex County Federation of Agriculture, says the crops are looking really good this season as the region has been blessed with timely rains despite the extremely hot summer.

The three biggest crops in Essex County include corn, soy beans, and wheat. He says the wheat crop finished in July and local farmers were able to get above normal harvest compared to previous years.

Despite it still being early for soy beans and corn, Guilbeault says the crops are looking great, with the soy bean plants already starting to change, and the corn is already starting to dry down.

However, there are concerns — he says the tariffs put in place by the United States are affecting the commodity pricing, with the region seeing some of the lowest commodity prices they’ve had in the last five years.

Guilbeault adds that canola that is grown in Essex County isn’t subject to tariffs at all as it is used domestically.

As the crops near harvest, drivers will notice more tractors and combines on the roads, and are reminded to be cautious around the equipment to ensure everyone is safe.

— Meagan Delaurier/Am800 News, with files from AM800’s The Shift with Patty Handysides