Nicole Neubauer speaks to the benefit of the recent moisture for farmer in the Medicine Hat area. (Bob Schneider/CHAT News)

By Jesse Gill

ON THE FARM SERIES

Moisture levels ‘between three to as much as five inches’ for Medicine Hat area farmers

May 9, 2024 | 10:55 PM

The recent rain we have had this week has given a hope to farmers in the region.

When a farmer says they have experienced eight years of extreme drought conditions.

Moisture early in the growing season is welcomed news.

Local Farmer Nichole Neubauer said this rain will be a huge difference maker for getting this year off on the right foot.

“We were seeding into some of the driest conditions that we had seen in recent memory. And now I’ve heard anywhere between three to as much as five inches, maybe even a little bit more to the south,” Neubauer said.

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“It’s charged some creeks, which ultimately might lead to even filling some dugouts.”

The filling of the dugouts will benefit beef producers with a water source for their cattle.

It will also give a nice moisture base to help the germination of the crops.

Neubauer said the moisture is great, but not what she would call a drought buster.

“It can dry up and things can change in a hurry. Those plants will get a nice start. And ultimately, we just look for timely rains,” Neubauer said.

“We don’t need a ton of precipitation, you know, in terms of inches to grow a good crop. But timing of rains is really vital,” she added.

“We’ll be on the hunt for rain again in another week or two and be grateful if it just keeps coming throughout the season.”

The rain is great news for irrigation districts in the area, with less concerns for those that rely on it.

The moisture has also helped with grass and hay growth for cattle producers.

Neubauer says they are about two-thirds of the way done seeding at this point with her son Logan completing most of it.

“We just have some land left on the number one highway. So really, we’re about two days, two good days away from the finish line,” Neubauer said.

“We’ve got our eye on that and certainly continuing to prepare. And just today, getting fertilizer, getting seed treated, getting everything lined up,” she added.

“As soon as the conditions allow, we can hit the fields and get seeding 2024 done.”

Neubauer expects most farmer in the area to complete their seeding within the next two weeks, which should likely avoid any frost concerns for the growing season.