Farmer grapples with Montreal weather extremes

From heat waves to non-stop rain, Montrealers were faced with unprecedented weather challenges over the summer months, and one farmer says the change in extreme weather has left his crops struggling to thrive.

“Every year has its challenges, be it drought or a little bit excessive rain or a hail event, but this year it’s been a weather event after weather event; it’s a hurdle to jump over every couple of weeks,” said Phil Quinn, who co-owns Quinn Farm, just outside of Montreal, with his wife, Stephanie.

These past several months, Montreal and surrounding areas saw a variety of weather extremes – heavy rains, heat warnings, including a frost advisory in late May.

“First thing in the spring, drought, then hard frost while everything was in bloom in late May. The evenings of the 19th, 20th, and 21st of May were frost events while the orchid and strawberries, and other crops, were in bloom. So significant losses there. We lost about 50 per cent of our strawberries,” said Quinn.

As a result, Quinn says to expect a rise in prices when buying local produce.

“Please know that if you see something on the counter from Quebec, somebody has worked really, really hard to get it there,” said Quinn.

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Due to the heavy rain these past few months, Quinn says the farm’s berries didn’t thrive, as both constant rainfall and extreme heat can have significant impacts on soil.

“Rain and heat are synonymous and come along with root diseases and fungal diseases as well. Phytophthora is a root disease, and grey mold is a mold that will affect the fruit itself in extreme heat,” said Quinn.

Quinn also says that due to the hot weather, Macintosh apples are falling off, despite apple season starting later this month.

“Whenever it’s this warm, they’re still putting on size. If there’s adequate moisture in the soil and they’re still putting on size, they’re competing for room on the branch, and boop, boop, boop, they’re falling on the ground,” said Quinn.

“We’re very, very lucky to be on high grounds as well, so our pumpkins we’re not affected by all the monsoon rains, but friends of ours east of Montreal and low-lying areas have been really, really affected. Pumpkins this year will be in very short supply,” added Quinn.