Southwestern Ontario farmers adjust to heat after storms and hail damage crops
Ontario crop damage from storms hits fruits and vegetables across farm fields Heat may help recovery, but shoppers could see smaller harvests and shorter seasons
Farmers in southwestern Ontario say recent storms, heavy rain, and hail have damaged crops and made the growing season difficult.
After a severe thunderstorm last Thursday and several tornadoes in the region since early May, growers in areas such as Arva, Bothwell, Thamesville, and London said some fruits and vegetables were hit hard. Blueberry farmer Hope Parks said hail damaged bushes and ripe berries, while Adrian Jacques said his cucumber and asparagus crops were affected.
With Environment Canada warning that temperatures could reach 37 C this week, some farmers are welcoming the heat. Roy Phillips of Phillips’ Family Farm said the warmer, drier weather should help corn and pumpkins recover after a cold spring slowed growth. Other growers said the weather has been unpredictable, and shoppers may notice smaller produce or shorter harvest windows this season.