Historic hot, dry conditions give Abbotsford farmers late season push
A historically hot and dry September has given a farm in B.C.’s Fraser Valley a much-needed boost.
At Maan Farms in Abbotsford, heavy rainfall led to field rot last fall, and after a wet and cool start to the summer, it was looking like it could be much of the same.
However, after the driest and warmest September in the city’s history, Maan Farms is back on track.
"Our pumpkins are beautiful," farmer Amir Maan told CTV News.
"When you go through the field, every pumpkin is perfect.”
While the product will be top notch, Maan says the rocky start to summer has led to supply issues.
"One thing people don't think about is that pumpkins actually grow over four months, you need 120 good days," he said.
"In the spring when it was so cold and wet, many farmers couldn't grow their plants, so that means people who dedicated 40, 50, 60 acres, we dedicated 20 and can probably only grow about 12," said Maan.
According to Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon, these unprecedented stretches of weather are becoming more common.
"We've been noticing that we do get stuck in these persistent patterns," Sekhon said.
"We saw a delayed summer where we were stuck in an unsettled pattern, of course last fall we were stuck in a wet pattern, and last summer we were stuck in a hot pattern.”
As for Maan, he says to hurry out before it's too late.
"Go out to the nearest farm and buy your pumpkin while you still can," he said.
"The supply might be low, but the quality is perfect.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.