Southwestern Ontario Farmers Optimistic Despite Challenging Conditions

Farmers in southwestern Ontario have faced challenges this year, including dry spells and summer rain storms. However, despite rising costs for diesel fuel and certain parts, yields are looking good as the fall harvest approaches.

At Phillips' Family Farms in west London, partner Ian Phillips says pumpkin and squash yields have been meeting expectations ahead of the Thanksgiving rush. The farm's sweet corn crop did experience a rough patch of hot, dry weather in July and early August, but rebounded with moisture later in the summer.

Marcel Meyer, president of the Middlesex Federation of Agriculture, notes that wheat has produced 'incredible yields' in the region. However, his own crops' yields were slightly down due to heavy spring rains after spreading fertilizer.

The price of diesel fuel is 'astronomical' right now, according to Meyer, who says farmers have no choice but to absorb rising costs.