Over 100 millimetres of rainfall since the beginning of April is putting a damper on what is usually a busy time for Chatham-Kent farmers.
At the beginning of May, farmers are usually eager to put their vegetable seeds into the ground. This year, however, the planting season for popular crops such as tomatoes, corn, and sugarbeets will be delayed close to one month at least, according to Leon Leclair who is a long-time farmer in Dover, north of Chatham.
"The days keep rolling by and we're not doing anything, so it's important to keep your mind in the right spot," he said. "Make sure the tractors are fueled up, the chains are greased the seeds are in the shop and the fertilizer is ordered ... make sure everyone is ready to go."
It's a trying time to be in the industry during these wet periods, said Leclair, who is also a past vice-president with the Kent Federation of Agriculture.
He said with the saturated field conditions and fear of the Thames River dike breaching, it is important for farmers to maintain good mental health.
"Don't let it work on you, eh," said Leclair. "A lot of people have borrowed a lot of money just to be prepared for these days and sometimes your mind plays awful tricks on you, but you can't let that overtake you."
Leclair is trying to remain optimistic about the growing season, but if the rainy conditions do not let-up by the beginning of June, farmers could experience the worst case scenario.
Regardless, drainage help will be key in successfully salvaging any crop-planting that has been ruined by rain, and that is being looked after by about 500 commissioners who manage the pumps.
"We do have a great network of drainage," said Leclair. "They have about 1,000 plus years of experience and they're doing their best."
This weekend's forecast is calling for mainly sunny skies with a high of 23 degrees on Saturday and a high of 19 degrees on Sunday. Environment Canada is still calling for a 30 per cent chance of showers on both days, though.