Hot weather in Eastern Canada slows down the potato harvest

The hot late September weather in large parts of Eastern Canada is putting some potato farmers in a difficult position.

Ken Beattie is normally harvesting potatoes at his farm near Alliston, Ontario, but his machinery remains idle for the time being.

Ken Beattie:

“Never experienced this kind of unprecedented heat we have had in the month of September.”

“Totally something new for me.”

The record breaking heat wave has warmed the soil. The potatoes themselves are actually 10 degrees (Celsius) warmer than they should be. If harvested now, the crop would spoil in storage.

Farmers can only wait for cooler weather and hope there isn't too much rain to put them further behind schedule.

Ken Beattie:

“It only makes things more difficult more tricky, but we will see what happens. It’s one of those things just one day at time.”

The hot, dry weather is welcomed by other farmers: Sunshine and 30 C is perfect for combining canola, while corn and bean crops can still benefit from the hot weather after a cool and wet summer.