'We have a crop, but it’s not growing anymore': Drought conditions hit Level 5 in several B.C. regions

The persistent dry weather is intensifying in parts of British Columbia, where some areas are now experiencing Level 5 drought conditions.

The persistent dry weather is intensifying in parts of British Columbia, where some areas are now experiencing Level 5 drought conditions.

The Lower Mainland, west Vancouver island and the Sunshine Coast are classified at this level, which is the most severe designation.

For some vegetable farmers, the drought is meaning smaller yields on crops like potatoes.

“Yields are definitely off. Lots of small potatoes, but definitely off probably 15 to 20 per cent I’m thinking,” said Tim Guichon of Felix Farm, adding he’s grateful that the dry weather at least allows them to harvest.

Farther east in Abbotsford, even though fields are green, vegetable growers say in areas they could not irrigate, the growth has mostly stopped on crops like cabbage, brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

“We have a crop, but it’s not growing anymore because of drought. It’s stunted growth,” said farmer Opinder Bhatti.

He said cabbage that should be seven to eight pounds is being harvested at less than half of that.