Grain farmers in the London area have had a great spring, with corn plantings several weeks ahead of schedule, says (Peter Johnson) a crop specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
“The planting progress is nothing short of phenomenal.” (May 1, London Free Press)
‘Phenomenal’ doesn’t spring to mind as I put excerpts from the newspaper article under the umbrella of global warming, which is where the warmer temperatures in our region likely fit.
For example:
About 80% to 85% of the corn in the London area has been planted, compared to 5% to 10% by now in an average year.
Is it phenomenal, even a good thing, that we’re so far out of whack with an average growing season?
(As well), “This year is the diametric opposite of last year. For most of the London region, it’s hard to complain right now,” Johnson said.
I suppose he’s right. It will be easier to complain in the future, when the negative results of global warming are a bit more obvious to more people.
The winter wheat is also benefiting from the good weather and is at least two weeks ahead of normal maturity. “Bean acres will fly into the ground in the first week of May, if the weather holds, and that’s way ahead of normal.”
Because beans and corn chiefly end up in the gut of a cow, and BBQs are a summertime passion in Deforest City, there will be much clapping of hands on backyard patios this year.
“Phenomenal beef,” some will say.
How long will we continue to stuff our faces while the world slowly warms?
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