Less than 50 per cent of Lambton County's workable acres were planted this spring.
Lambton Federation of Agriculture Board Member Mike Belan said wet weather continually prevented farmers from getting into their fields, forcing many to change their crop plans.
He said those who were unable to plant corn by the June 17 crop insurance deadline, have until July 5 to plant soybeans.
"I spoke of 50 per cent planted, and I would say of that 50 per cent in tended acres, most of it is planted into unfit or not as ideal conditions as we would hope to have," said Belan. "Just because it's in the ground doesn't mean it's going to be a high yielding crop. There's going to be planting issues, compaction, plus you've already planted the crop late -- so you're going to have a reduced yield."
Belan said the impact will be profound.
"Not having their crop planted, reaches a lot farther than just farmers. It's going to reach out to the ag input suppliers, the dealerships, the fuel supply companies. Farmers buy a lot of products to get the job done," he said.
Belan said what's happening this year is basically unheard of.
"I was just talking to my dad who has farmed for over 40 years, and he's never seen anything like this," he said. "You always get the crop in. You always get the crop going. But, the way things are looking right now, at some point, you just have to cut your losses and say 'that's enough, we'll wait until next year.'"
