Extreme weather has left some Manitoba farmers devastated this year.
Many crops have been destroyed, leaving farmers saying they're mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted as they wait on financial assistance.
"Everywhere you look, there's devastation. There's land ruined. There's land washed away," said Sean Baskier, who farms in the Swan River Valley region of southwestern Manitoba.
There's been little respite for many farmers across the province during a brutal season that began with unexpected May frost, followed by relentless rains in June and record-breaking heat in July.
In the Swan River Valley, producers are reporting thousands of hectares lost to overland flooding, after raging waters carved deep fissures into fields, leaving thick debris and displaced topsoil.
Baskier, who farms near the western Manitoba community of Lidstone, says it's been a summer of chaos that's led to a daunting fall harvest.
Flooding prevented seeding in three of his 20 quarter sections (each 160 acres, or about 65 hectares), and estimates his crop yield losses could be up to $500,000.
Now, Baskier's focus is split between preparing for harvest and trying to deal with the damage flooding has done to his land. He worries flood debris like rocks and railroad ties could damage equipment as he harvests low-growing beans.
He and his neighbours are also dealing with damaged roads, critical for transportation during harvest.
At the height of the flooding, the province said more than 50 roads were damaged or washed out. While Baskier praised his local municipality for its repair efforts, there's still a backlog.
Baskier's experience is shared by farmers across the province, says Jake Ayer, vice-president of Keystone Agricultural Producers. He estimates harvest is anywhere from a week to two weeks behind in several regions.
Some parts of the province have seen more than double the usual amount of rain over the summer. The northwest Parkland and Swan Valley West areas were hit hard by overland flooding. Parts of the Interlake, and areas around Stonewall also saw flooding, while southwest and south central Manitoba faced destructive hail.
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Ayer likened a normal year of farming to playing poker — farmers have an idea of which cards are on the table and make educated bets, hoping the odds are in their favour.
