Farmers gather for spring barbecue near New Hamburg amid planting delays

Farmers from the New Hamburg, Shakespeare, Tavistock and Stratford areas gather at a free community barbecue hosted by Matt and Emma Drummond west of New Hamburg. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Cool temperatures and intermittent rain have slowed the start of the spring planting season across the New Hamburg area, but that didn’t stop local farmers from coming together to mark the season with a neighbourly barbecue.

Local farmer and South Easthope Pioneer seed dealer Matt Drummond hosted a noontime barbecue at his farm shop, located between Shakespeare and New Hamburg, inviting area farmers, friends and neighbours to take a break while waiting for field conditions to improve.

More than 100 people attended the gathering, enjoying food and conversation as they compared notes on a spring that has yet to fully cooperate.

While corn and soybean planting has largely been delayed due to the weather, many farmers have been able to get alfalfa, grass seed and mixed grains such as oats, barley and wheat into the ground.

Drummond said corn seed sales are up compared to last year, but the cold, unsettled weather has kept most planters parked for now.

He added there is some uncertainty about how many acres will be planted in soybeans this year, noting higher fertilizer costs and the availability of nitrogen – which corn requires in greater amounts – could influence planting decisions in favour of beans, which are less input-intensive.

Livestock producers in the area are in a different position, with access to manure helping to reduce their reliance on commercial fertilizers, which remain in high demand.

Rising diesel fuel prices are also a concern for farmers heading into the growing season. Like many in the industry, Drummond said producers will look to manage costs where they can and hope for stronger commodity prices later in the year to help offset expenses.

For now, the focus remains on waiting for warmer, drier weather and taking advantage of opportunities like the barbecue to connect with neighbours before the busy season begins.