Drainage issues impact crop yields across Leduc County

LEDUC COUNTY -- Drainage issues have impacted crop yields for agricultural producers in Leduc County.

This comes as the county's Agricultural Service Board has painted a mixed-picture following excessive precipitation during the spring and summer. In their report, they state that while ground drainage was relatively resilient following the first major rainfall in early June, the following rainfall event from June 20-22 proved too much for the already saturated lands in many areas of the county.

"This additional large amount of rain added to already saturated land was too much for the local drainages to handle, and significant flooding occurred throughout the municipality," reads the report from Agricultural Service Manager Aaron Van Beers. "The delineated 100-year flood plain of the Blackmud Creek filled nearly to capacity and remained at high levels for several weeks."

He notes that an additional 40-50 mm of rainfall fell at the end of June, and waterlogged fields that were beginning to dry out. For many fields, this extra precipitation hampered crop development even further. It's reported that the overall impact on crops across Leduc County varied based on location. In areas where fields had reasonable drainage, the annual crops appear to be good to average -- though for some areas it was a much different story.

"Where fields had little drainage, crops are very poor, especially peas and canola," said Van Beers. "Knob-and-kettle areas are the most variable, with hilltops showing good crop development and low-lying areas being completely drowned out. Overall, yields will very likely be below average, although those areas that had good drainage will see reasonable yields."

Van Beers adds that hayland and pasture fared better than cropland for the most part, with the permanent crop better able to handle the excess moisture.  However, consistent rain showers in July and August made it difficult for many producers to cut and bale the crop in a timely manner, degrading the overall hay quality for many producers.

Leduc County administration has some budget remaining to contract out work in the fall to support some agricultural drainage clean outs where the municipality holds a license.