Skip to content

September snowstorm strikes crop fields

An early, heavy snowstorm that hit central and southern Alberta in early September may not be the death sentence for crops.

An early, heavy snowstorm that hit central and southern Alberta in early September may not be the death sentence for crops.

Shayne Steffen, Ponoka county manager of agricultural services, says the west end of the county was snowed on more than the east but dry weather could save the crops.

“If we don’t get that dry weather, there’s a chance the grain will start to sprout in the swath,” said Steffen.

Crops left standing the fields are going to pose more of a problem. “It’s going to be a challenge to pick up the crop to get them harvested,” said Steffen.

At the time of the snowstorm, approximately 20 to 25 per cent of crops within the county had been harvested, which Steffen says is average progression.