Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Dry conditions hurting some field crops

CBC News Posted: Jul 17, 2012 2:26 PM AT Last Updated: Jul 17, 2012 3:38 PM AT

As Prince Edward Island experiences hot and dry weather conditions, agriculture officials say field crops, like hay, barley and wheat, are struggling for moisture.

Doon Pauly, a field crop development officer with the province, said the lack of moisture is hurting field potential for most crops.

"It's not just hay that is not regrowing, it is hurting the barley and wheat that is nearing the time when it should be filling the grain. That is really being impaired," he said.

"Rain is needed very soon to help fill the barley crops, the wheat crops."

Based on how dry the summer has been, Pauly said around 30 to 50 millimetres of rain are needed to improve the moisture situation.

Since May 1 only 111 mm of rain has fallen at the Charlottetown Airport. On average during that period 219 mm usually falls.

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