Dear Farmers,
Welcome back to Week 2 of our farm journal series, where we continue to unravel the intricacies of life on the land. As we delve into the events of the past week, we find ourselves navigating through unexpected seeding delays and cautious anticipation. Here’s a glimpse into our journey:
Monday and Tuesday: A “Million Dollar Rain”
Our week began with a gift from the heavens as Monday afternoon and Tuesday brought a much-needed downpour. Old-timers would call it a “million dollar rain,” but in today’s terms, it might as well be deemed a “billion dollar rain.” This timely precipitation halted all seeding activities, saturating the soil and bringing a sense of relief tinged with excitement.
However, the rain gods played favorites, blessing some farms with “too much” while leaving others thirsting for more. With no rain gauges set up yet, we relied on inconsistent word-of-mouth reports, piecing together the puzzle of rainfall distribution across our community.
Friday: A Tentative Start
Today marked the first tentative steps back into the fields as some of our fellow farmers cautiously resumed seeding operations. I tried to hold back farmers on spraying before seeding, considering the minimal weed growth we’ve observed. While volunteer canola has emerged, other weed species have shown little enthusiasm for this season’s debut.
Peas and Wheat: Signs of Promise
Amidst the anticipation, signs of promise have begun to sprout. Peas, faithful soldiers of the soil, have been dutifully sown and have already begun their journey towards germination, though they have yet to emerge from the earth’s embrace. As for wheat, the seeding process has just commenced, with roughly 5% of the fields now adorned with the promise of future harvests.
Soil Temperatures and Farmer Anticipation
With soil temperatures now hovering around 6-7°C, the conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for growth and development. Yet, despite these promising signs, a palpable sense of restlessness permeates the air. Farmers, eager for an early start, find themselves grappling with the reality of a delayed season. It’s a gentle reminder that nature operates on its schedule, not ours.
As we navigate through these uncertain times, it’s essential to remind ourselves that we still have ample time ahead of us. Patience and perseverance will be our guiding principles as we continue to sow the seeds of our dreams.
Here’s to the resilience that defines us as farmers and the promise of a bountiful season ahead.
Warm regards,
Jesse Erickson
EA Services
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