The AgriPost
May 28, 2021
It’s That Dry
Conditions are dry across the province but particularly on sandy soils.
By Les Kletke One does not think of horse drawn implements traveling at speeds that will cause a cloud of dust, even a small one, but that is the case this year. Even a set of horse drawn harrows were stirring up dust. “It is dry, that dry,” said Aaron who is part of the Amish community at Vita. The group of farmers moved to the area several years ago and has been adjusting to the area and working at getting their land to tillable condition. Some of the land they purchased needed to be broke and most of it comes with a more than adequate supply of stones.
He said that when conditions are this dry it does not matter what matter of propulsion is used on the implement. “It is so dry this spring that it does not matter whether you are using horses or tractors the conditions are to dry and farmers are concerned about putting seed in the ground.” It was mid May when he was working a field in preparation for seeding and concerned about the moisture of the soil. The area did receive a half inch of rain May 21 which did help somewhat but the sandy soil of the area requires a great deal more moisture to grow a crop.
Program Funds Youth Jobs in the Agriculture Sector
Photo by Les Kletke
The community has had several years of difficult conditions that have meant meager to no crops at all. “The first year we came, we were busy breaking the land and preparing it for seeding,” he said. “We have had some difficult years and it was dry last fall and we have not had much moisture this spring.” Working with horse power also has some additional challenges that the ground is worked first then seed is drilled in and another operation of harrowing to seal the seed bed. Modern seeding equipment minimizes soil disruption and seals the soil to conserve moisture a luxury he does not have.
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“We have been successful with these tools in the past and we continue to use them,” said Aaron philosophically as he prepared to make another round with his harrow and preparing the seed bed. Much of the community’s efforts have gone into establishing pastures to feed their livestock and perhaps put up some hay. He is confident they will turn their efforts to more crop production once the pasture becomes established and they have a good feed base for their livestock. For now he works in the dust stirred up by his harrows.
The federal government has announced an investment of up to $21.4 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and fund about 2,000 jobs for youth in the agriculture sector. The YESP aims to support agri-food employers and provide young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 with job experience in agriculture that could lead to a career working in the sector. In 2020, the Government of Canada invested $9.2 million for the YESP, to fund nearly 1,000 jobs. This investment more than doubles last year’s allocation. Young people were among the hardest and fastest hit when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, experiencing more job losses than any other age demographic. Meanwhile, the agriculture sector has been facing increased difficulty accessing labour since the beginning of the pandemic. By promoting youth employment in the agriculture sector, the Government of Canada is ensuring a resilient food supply chain and keeping the sector strong. Eligible applicants include producers, agribusinesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities. Support can cover the period from April 15, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Applications for the YESP are now being accepted and forms are available at www.agr. gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/ youth-employment-and-skills-program. For more information, please contact aafc.yesppecj.aac@canada.ca, or call 1-866-452-5558.