Crops in County okay after intense hail and wind storms on August long weekend

Aug 8, 2022 | 1:08 PM

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. — After a less than pleasant August long weekend (July 29-August 1) in the Peace Region, which brought rain, hail, gale force winds, and a possible tornado, crops are looking to be average this year according to the County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Services Board (ASB) chair, Bob Chrenek.

Chrenek said farmers in the Grande Prairie region should consider themselves lucky and fortunate.

“From what I understand from everybody that I’ve spoke to and throughout the community and the local area around Grande Prairie, Sexsmith and Beaverlodge, there were pockets of hail that didn’t seem do a lot damage.”

He said most of the crop damage was done farther north in the Spirit River and Wanham areas and didn’t discriminate on which crops were hit.

“Some are saying 10 per cent crop damage or less, if any,” Chrenek said about what has been reported by producers in the County of GP.

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“The rain came at a very opportunistic time because we are sitting here looking at another week or two… and the crops would have taken a really devastating turn.”

Chrenek, as well as other producers, is looking forward to some warmth to speed up the crops.

“At this stage, the crops are looking pretty good for what had been taking place before the rain.”

On the note of hay, 2021 had a severely devastating situation in the prairie provinces, including the Peace area. The ASB chair said from what he’s seen and heard from hay producers, “it will be in good supply.”

“I hope everyone has a successful harvest and fall, everybody got their hay off in good condition. Going forward, our communities fair well this year,” Chrenek said.

by Erika Rolling

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Crops in County okay after intense hail and wind storms on August long weekend

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