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CTV News
35 minutes ago
- CTV News
Southern Alberta cattle and grain farmers pleased with July rainfall amounts
Leroy Newman, who farms near Blackie, Alta., says after a rocky start, his malt barley crop is thriving thanks to the above-average July rainfall. Farmers southeast of Calgary say the recent rain is the boost their crops badly needed after multiple years of drought-like conditions. 'Last year, we had a very good start, and then in July, everything just went south,' said farmer Glen Gateman, who operates south of Mossleigh, Alta. Gateman seeds close to 2,225 hectares and has about 300 head of cattle. He says his pasture is finally starting to recover after being extremely dry for a few seasons. 'It's been a real turnaround. This time last year – last July – it was 35 above pretty much every day, virtually no rain here anyway, and this year it's just a complete change.' Already this month, the area has recorded more than 130 millimeters of precipitation. This year, Gateman has planted canola, winter wheat, malt barley and a variety of peas. 'They all need moisture at different times,' he said. 'But canola just loves this because canola likes cool nights and cool days too – and moisture just keeps it flowering, and you need flowers to make the pods (to harvest).' Leroy Newman, who farms closer to Blackie, Alta., says his soil was cracking in mid-June because of how dry they were. 'It's a game changer,' he said. 'We are actually replenishing the subsoil now, and it's so encouraging because of the droughts and how dry it was until June 21 this year.' Newman says consistently gentle rain over days is better for crops than large amounts of moisture from a fast-moving thunderstorm because the precipitation has time to absorb into the soil, not just run off into low lying areas of a field. 'It would be nice if we get back to our heat to get this crop finishing off,' he said. 'Our biggest worry right now is thunderstorms and hailstorms – and they're going to be rampant if we get some heat.' Gateman says for some farmers who've seeded winter wheat and peas, harvest starts at the beginning of August. 'I'm just hoping that the hail can stay away this year, and the weather can improve a bit, because it's pretty tough to get a crop off if it's raining,' he said. 'Mother Nature – you just can't argue with her – she's going to do what she's going to do, but it's just nice to see that it can still rain.' Farmers say that this season's July rainfall may help them when it comes time to plant next spring, by replenishing the much-needed ground water table.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Missing sailor from Quebec found alive off Labrador coast
A missing boater was found in good health Wednesday morning, about 200 kilometres east of Mary's Harbour, Labrador. The 20-foot sailboat was also located. Martin Hurley, acting deputy superintendent of search and rescue coordination at the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in St. John's, said the solo sailor was last heard from on Thursday after posting regular updates online. The sailor wasn't hurt, Hurley said, but poor weather conditions damaged some of the boat's electronics and a satellite communications suite on board. "He just became disabled due to weather, which caused some damage to his communications equipment," Hurley said. A Hercules aircraft was deployed from Trenton, Ont., and the Canadian Coast Guard sent vessels to the east coast of Labrador to participate in the search. The sailor, who is from Tadoussac, Que., last stopped in Blanc-Sablon on his way to Greenland. He was transferred to Gander by helicopter. Hurley said the Canadian Coast Guard would like to encourage everyone to consider their personal safety when venturing out on the water.
CBC
2 hours ago
- CBC
Heat warning issued for Hamilton and area with humidex values up to 44 expected
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara and area with a heat event is expected to begin Thursday. The federal weather agency says the hottest conditions are expected on Thursday, with slightly cooler daytime highs Friday and into the weekend. However, overnight lows will remain unseasonably warm, offering little relief. Environment Canada says daytime temperatures are predicted to reach near 35 C, with humidex values expected to reach 44 on Thursday. On Friday the forecast calls for a daytime high of 30 C, with peak humidex values near 40. Meanwhile, Hamilton's medical officer of health has also issued a heat warning beginning Thursday. Cooling centres available throughout heat event The city says cooling centres — identified by "Cool Down Here" signs — will be available throughout the heat event. As part of the city's heat response plan, all regularly scheduled open swims at indoor and outdoor pools will be free, and residents are encouraged to make use of spray pads, community centres and other designated cool places. Hamilton Public Health is reminding residents to take steps to avoid heat-related illness, including: Drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Staying in air-conditioned spaces or visiting city-designated cool area. Wearing loose, light-coloured clothing and using sunscreen. Limiting outdoor physical activity to early morning or evening hours. Taking cool baths or showers. Closing blinds and circulating air with fans. Checking on vulnerable neighbours and family members. Never leaving children or pets in closed vehicles. Landlords are also being encouraged to ensure tenants have access to cool indoor spaces. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, weakness, nausea, fainting, and vomiting. Residents are advised to seek help immediately if symptoms appear.
