Southern Alberta farmers optimistic after recent rainfall
After a dry winter, southern Alberta farmers were expecting it to be another tough growing season.
But recent rainfall is offering hope this year could be different.
For two days much of southern Alberta was hit with a heavy rainstorm.
Some areas such as Magrath managed to get about three and a half inches of precipitation over the course of the storm.
That was a potential game-changer for some farmers.
“We're feeling a lot better," said Sean Stanford, who farms near Magrath. "We're feeling relieved. It was a good storm, lots of moisture dropped. Different amounts through southern Alberta, but we were pretty fortunate in my area we got a fair bit of rain. It's really going to help the crops this year."
Big change
The recent storm marks a big change from previous years.
Last year Magrath only saw about three inches of rain throughout the entire growing season.
The wet start to the 2024 growing season has farmers in the region feeling optimistic.
Stanford said “It's great news. Everybody's pretty excited and upbeat about it. There's still guys that are seeding and trying to get into the field and things like that. But most people have some crops in the ground already so it's going to be great for those.”
Some areas weren't as lucky.
Fort MacLeod and Claresholm only saw about an inch and a half of rain.
But after such a dry winter, any moisture is welcome.
“It's wet out there," said Stephen Vandervalk who farms outside Fort Macleod. "We won't be able to seed for a couple days. Nothing like Medicine Hat and those areas three or four inches in areas, but it's obviously huge.
"We needed the rain," he added. "(It) might make the seeding difficult but in the long run, it's fantastic (news)."
More rain needed
Farmers aren't out of the woods just yet.
While this rain helps, more will be needed through out the growing season to make up for reduced irrigation allocations.
That said, the prognosis is hopeful and the forecast promising.
“We're going to need a lot more going forward, but it's a huge start," Vandervalk said. "We haven't seen a rain like that since 2020 and then four or five years before that.”
More rain could be on the way.
Long-term forecasts from environment and climate change Canada are predicting the Lethbridge region could have average to above-average rainfall in May and June.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi found dead at helicopter crash site, state media says
Iranian president, the country’s foreign minister and others have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash Monday after a search through a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
The push to Parliament's summer hiatus is about to begin, here's what you need to know
When MPs file back in to the House of Commons on Tuesday, it will be for the final five-week parliamentary push before hitting the barbecue circuit. Looking ahead to what could be a raucous rush to the summer hiatus, CTVNews.ca spoke with top House representatives to get a sense of what's atop their priority list.
ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Netanyahu
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Monday he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in connection with their actions during the seven-month war between Israel and Hamas.
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection with US$100 million in financing commitments
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you’ve been to a party lately and haven’t seen someone drinking a BORG, you’re likely not partying with college students.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Your kids' ultraprocessed food consumption may put them at higher risk, study shows
The ultraprocessed foods your kids eat now may be putting them at greater risk for cardiometabolic problems – like heart attack, stroke and diabetes – in adulthood, a new study suggests.