Dry weather worries some Annapolis Valley farmers

CBC News Posted: Jul 13, 2012 9:50 PM AT Last Updated: Jul 13, 2012 9:54 PM AT

The recent hot and dry weather has some farmers in the Annapolis Valley concerned their crops will dry out in the heat.

Almost every day this week, the temperature in the valley has hit the 30 degree mark, causing water levels in irrigation ponds to dip precariously low.

Sylvia Forsyth and her son, Brice, run a farm market in Berwick and although business has been good, the hot and dry weather has Forsyth worried about her crops.

"We're just trying to keep as much alive as we can," she said.

The pond where the Forsyth's draw water from to irrigate their vegetables has gone down about two metres in the last two weeks, and now they have to be careful how much water they use so the pond doesn't completely dry out.

"We save the crops that give us the most cash value for the farm market and the ones we just might have to bypass and go where we can," Brice said, "Hopefully we'll get some rain and that will ease the situation."

The Forsyths' sweet corn will be ready to pick in about two weeks. Corn usually handles heat well but the sun and dry soil is starting to take its toll.

While the Forsyths struggle with their water woes, others in the Valley are in good shape.

At Gaspereau Vineyards, it's been a hot and sticky week, but the 14 hectares of vines are thriving in the heat.

Gina Haverstock, one of the owners, expects it will be a good season despite the lack of water in the ground.

"We're doing fine, we could use a little rain but grapevines are very deep rooted. We're okay when we have shorter snaps of dry weather. If, of course, that gets into possibly months, then we're looking at other issues, " Haverstock said.