PEI Potato farmers could use a little rain

After the wet weather Maritimers experienced from spring until mid-August, this might take some by surprise: a little bit of rain would be welcomed just about now.

Bill MacKendrick, a Department of Agriculture employee in O’Leary, said the current conditions are actually a little too dry and warm for the potato harvest.

When the soil is dry, not a lot of dirt goes over the harvester, leaving potatoes susceptible to bruising, he explained. Potatoes don’t store as well when the temperature is warm, he added.

Although some farmers are digging, the harvest is still fairly low key. That could change next week as showers are in the forecast for Saturday, Sunday and Monday