Ottawa area hay farmers could lose crop due to record rainfalls

Rural farmers in the Ottawa area are worried they could lose a portion of this year's harvest due to heavy rains. 

The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change is calling 2017 "the year of the big wet," and one Navan farmer agrees. 

Wyatt McWilliams's family has been farming in the area for four generations, and he said he's never quite seen a season like this. 

"It's been a trying year," he said. "It's been from one extreme to the other."

According to McWilliams, last year was too dry and this year is too wet. Last year he said the yield was very low, but "this year we have all quantity and no quality."

It rained for 18 days straight during June and July and many days set rainfall records, according to the ministry.

'We're diehard'

Mature hay needs two consecutive dry days in order to be properly harvested, said McWilliams. Ottawa weather hasn't favoured the needed 48 hours of sun.

His hay is now three weeks behind schedule, meaning he may have to skip a portion of the harvest. 

"By the time I get to all my fields it will almost be overripe," he said. 

Despite the soggy weather, McWilliams said he's got a good sense of humour directed at Mother Nature. 

"As far as farmers go, we're diehard and we know that next year will be better," he laughed.