Seeding well underway for farmers in southeast Alberta

“Some of it’s already up as a matter of fact. So it’s been about two weeks and in another probably two or three days we’ll be wrapping up.”

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Neubauer said that dryland farmers in the area had some great sub-moisture in the soil going into seeding.

“That can only last so long. We haven’t had any real measurable amount of precipitation in weeks and things are starting to dry out quite a bit,” Neubauer said.

“There was enough reserve in the soil from the good rain that we had in the fall to help facilitate germination.”

Neubauer said they are currently seeding canola, which is put in the ground shallower, and they are seeing some dry areas, so they are hopeful for rain.

Those who irrigate aren’t as dependant on rain, with those waters from the St. Mary River Irrigation District made available this week, irrigated crops are expected to start being seeded.

“No sense in putting the seed in the ground if you don’t have the water to help facilitate germination,” Neubauer said.

“I think that we’ll see a lot of irrigation acres going in now,” she added.

“Some of the crops that we grow in irrigation are a little bit more tender. So they are subjected to freezing temperatures. So we sometimes delay putting those in until the temperatures regulate.”

Neubauer said with strong cattle markets last year, the demand is still high.

Strong growth in pasture grass helped to feed that cattle.

Those pastures are struggling at this point according to Neubauer.

“It is suffering currently though because of the heat and the dry. Just even one hot day of wind actually set it back quite a bit,” Neubauer said.

“We’re thankful we have a lot of carryover grass from last year. But we’ll be looking for some timely rains to help the grass out.”

Neubauer said a lot of ranchers in the area should have water for cattle thanks to the way the spring melt went.

“A lot of producers seen runoff in dugouts and in many cases in dugouts that had been low or dry for quite a good number of years,” Neubauer said.

“Lots of folks are in a lot better shape in terms of having fresh water to sustain their cattle herds and that always is really important,” she added.

“You can’t do anything without water. We’ll keep our fingers crossed. We’ll hope for some good soaking rains which we usually do get in May and June.”

Some farmers are optimistic heading into the summer season but Neubauer said, moisture will be needed to carry those crops through to seeding and to maintain the pastures for grazing.

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Editor’s Note: This story is part of our On The Farm Series, where we track the farming season and the challenges, successes and stories faced by Cypress County farmer Nichole Neubauer.

by Jesse Gill

Seeding well underway for farmers in southeast Alberta

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