Harvests: agricultural producers can breathe a sigh of relief

After consecutive years of drought, the rains have finally allowed hay to grow in abundance.

“Our yields are really above previous years, commented the co-owner of the Adelme Proulx & Fils farm, in Saint-Anaclet-de-Lessard, in Bas-Saint-Laurent. It meets more than 175% of our needs”.

On Mr. Proulx’s family farm, they harvested nearly 500 bales of hay, in addition to filling a silo of more than 800 tons. All that… in less than two cuts!

“In some fields, we had to leave (the hay) there. We will use it to make green manure,” added Simon Proulx.

“We are looking for buyers (for the surpluses), explained the president of the UPA in Bas-Saint-Laurent Gilbert Marquis. Outside Quebec! »

Outside Quebec, because the majority of farmers in La Belle Province are in the same situation: they are struggling with surpluses. They must therefore turn away from the Canadian market, but at what cost?

“With all the inputs, the diesel, the cost of parts for the tractor, the barn, everything goes up. We made the choice to leave the hay there,” admitted Simon Proulx

In addition to the hay harvests, those of wheat, corn, and soybeans are just as abundant this year.