As this war against COVID-19 progresses, I witness an increasing number of challenges that are similar to what farmers have to adjust to. Our farmers have to adjust to . . .
weather changes from day to day trying to save good quality hay.
If a normal summer with rain almost every week produces good pasture, hay and grain crops changes to long, dry periods with little or no pasture and hay re-growth, then that crop of grain and grain corn, that when harvested should turn into a sale-able crop in the fall, may have to be harvested as forage to feed the cattle with because of a hay shortage.
Ruminants are quite adaptable to more or less corn silage or hay as long as the total ration that the animal eats is balanced for energy, protein, effective fiber and necessary minerals and vitamins. This will require changes in grain and supplements calculated by the animal nutritionist.
The spring of 2020 was excellent for cropping and planting the crops that were planned months before. Last year was wet and fields dried slowly, forcing farmers to switch full season seed varieties for seed varieties that could be planted later and still mature by fall. Some farmers couldn’t find these short season varieties and switched to another crop entirely.
This year because of school and restaurant closures caused by COVID-19, less milk and French fries were consumed. This unexpected change in eating habits caused dairy farmers to donate extra milk, dry off, sell or even euthanize some milk cows to reduce the dumping of milk that could not be delivered and consumed.
Some potato varieties are selected just for the French fry market because those varieties cut into more desirable lengths and absorb less grease when fried. These same varieties do not make nice baked, mashed, or even scalloped potatoes and tons of these potatoes had to be discarded. Many of these farmers that were forced to discard product, change crops in mid- season or modify feed rations also had to have excellent relations with their lender or else a stash of money for a rainy day. These changes that the farmers made were only after several sleepless, stressful nights. Some farmers adapted better than others!
The way that a country addressed the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in some countries clamping down very hard early while others spent too long shrugging it off before making some tough rules that would eventually slow the spread of the disease. Some countries reduced restrictions to allow people to congregate and have fun or even go back to work and hopefully get some greatly needed tax dollars back into the big machine.
Many people have adapted to working from home, while others just don’t have that option.
Many large efficient retirement homes were designed to allow a few workers to look after every need under ideal conditions but these same homes were the worst for spreading the virus because of lack of ability to social distance. Large efficient factories where workers often worked only feet or inches from a co-worker were forced to shut down because social distancing was impossible. Some only shut down after dozens of workers got sick or even died. Some farmers were forced to euthanize animals because these large abattoirs closed their doors. Some farmers found a small abattoir that could process a few animals and supply meat to some consumers. More small, local abattoirs are being built or planned but it may be a year before they get into production.
Some restaurants, bars, airlines, car rental companies, and even Canadian Legions have made the tough decision to close the door forever. Some high rise buildings rented out office space that may not be required because many now work from home and may continue to work from home. Reduced automobile use will lead to reduced car sales and less fuel used also.
Populations are watching closely how their leaders address the COVID-19 pandemic and this will have huge implications on who gets elected when the next election comes.
There still remain people who refuse to believe that there is a COVID-19 problem and it will just go away. Like a farmer that refuses to adapt quickly to things that happen beyond their control, those deniers may have a difficult future. Remember that this COVID-19 virus started from only one person. It may be years or maybe never, that the world can eradicate this virus.
Be safe. Be respectful. This may be the toughest invisible war that you will ever fight. How we react will influence the lives of our descendants forever.
Chris Judd is a farmer in Clarendon
on land that has been in his family
or generations. gladcrest@gmail.com
