It’s definitely that time of year!

Vauxhall harvested barley on August 12, Medicine Hat harvested 127 acres of dryland wheat at 42 bu on August 19, and Coaldale, after 92 per cent hail damage, still harvested a significant amount of barley on August 20. Picture Butte had plans for August 25 and Lacombe had plans to take off their peas on August 29.

I’m sure it will be busier than this and maybe more stressful through most of October, with some waiting out second growth after hail damage and others in Central Alberta waiting enough dry days so they can get equipment onto the fields.

So far, I’m aware of five fields that have suffered hail damage. Coaldale at 97 per cent, Taber at 67 per cent, Eckville, Kneehill North/Huxley, and Bonnyville. I’m not sure what percentage of damage in the latter three projects.

A field of standing crop
Andrew growing project on August 6

People stand on the edge of a field being harvested
Picture Butte barley dust on August 25 

A green combine harvests a ripe crop
Harvest at Medicine Hat on August 19

Twelve combines work to harvest a field of ripe crop
Coaldale harvest on August 20

An aerial view of a Canadian Foodgrains harvest event. There are several combines, parked vehicles and people in the shot
Harvest at Vauxhall on August 12

As always, a big thank you to donors, growing project supporters, and interested people who are curious about what it means to work towards ending hunger.

During this time of year, a special prayer for and thank you to the farm and ag industry people who make often challenging events turn into revenue that turns into food and food production in another country, far away. It’s a work of faith to do this every year, and it’s important.

Thank you, everyone, for showing up.

-Abe, Canadian Foodgrains Bank regional representative