Sweet corn growers report a steady harvest and expect it to continue into October.
WESTERN ONTARIO: Early weather swings challenge sweet corn growers
Nelson Zandbergen
Farmers Forum
As the late-summer sweet corn season pushed into September, producers reported a resilient crop despite a tricky growing season.
Carol Veens, co-owner of Juicy-Fruit Orchards & Farm Market in Lambton County, said that irrigation was necessary to get the farm’s sweet corn crop through the dry conditions early in the season.
“We did have some issues at the beginning because it was so dry,” Veens explained. “If we didn’t have irrigation, we would have been in trouble.”
While early demand was high, supply was tight enough that Juicy-Fruit had to source supplementary corn from other growers around Dresden to keep their farm markets stocked. However, with 15 acres planted across different patches, their late-season varieties were progressing well, she reported. “We do continue to grow corn right into October,” Veens added, noting that staggered plantings help extend their retail season.
On the pricing front, Juicy-Fruit has held its sweet corn at $8 a dozen, the same price for the last three years, according to Veens. “There was a lot of pressure to raise the price this year, but my husband said no, we’re going to keep it fair and keep people happy.”
Closer to Sarnia, Macklin’s Farm Produce reported an average yield and a steady harvest.
“Usually we like to start the corn at the end of July, but it was a little bit late this year,” staff member Lily said. “Despite the kind of crazy weather we’ve had, it’s been pretty good.”
Macklin’s started picking around August 8 and expects to offer sweet corn through Thanksgiving. “We pick every morning and we’ve been totally fine,” the staffer said. “We stagger all our patches … Nothing’s too young or too mature.”
