Lorne Quinn, the owner of Quinn’s U-Pick in Millville, N.S., has been managing the farm since 1988. Despite being accustomed to varying weather conditions, Quinn has noticed a rise in erratic weather patterns recently.
Last summer, a severe drought led to a 40% drop in crop yields. This spring, excessive rain and cloudy skies deprived Quinn’s strawberries and pumpkins of essential sunlight, causing delays in their growth.
Quinn explained that the berries require temperatures above 15°C to develop, and the slow formation process has set them back by at least 10 days. The adverse weather conditions even forced the farm to delay its traditional Canada Day opening.
According to Paul Eyking of Eyking Family Farms, extreme weather events that used to occur intermittently are now happening more frequently. Cold-resistant crops like cabbage and rhubarb are thriving, but smaller plants like beans are struggling due to waterlogged soil, leading to unpredictable field maintenance schedules.
To adapt to these challenges, the farm has reduced its overall crop production and invested in advanced technology such as tractor satellite trackers to efficiently manage field maintenance tasks.
In response to the changing climate and unpredictable weather, some Cape Breton farmers are diversifying their operations. Will Kosloski and his partner Terry shifted from traditional crop farming to focus on agritourism and education at Twisted Roots Farm in Judique, N.S. They offer activities like goat walks and workshops on homesteading skills to ensure a stable income regardless of weather conditions.
Kosloski acknowledged the impact of climate change on their farm, emphasizing the importance of adapting to these challenges.