Warm January weather brings advantages and concerns for local farmers

Warm January weather brings advantages and concerns for local farmers

This start of 2024 is giving rise to a rare, even unprecedented situation in the Pontiac. This is the case for farmers who, some, have proceeded to cut part of their fields at this time of the year given the length of the hay and the mild temperature. One of the farmers in question is David Gillespie a farmer from L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, who took advantage of the mild start to 2024 to mow part of his field, which he says, in the almost 50 years he has been farming, is a first for him and many of his neighbours.

 

 

Despite certain advantages of a third or fourth cut to the season, Gillespie says the warm weather is still raising concerns. According to L’Isle-aux-Allumettes farmer, these abnormally high temperatures in January could cause several problems in the coming months. From the production of maple syrup, to droughts, to the growth of possible risks linked to invasive species. He says this is situation he will be keeping a close eye on in the months to come.

 

 

The full interview in French with L’Isle-aux-Allumettes farmer, David Gillespie, is available here.