Heavy snow acts as protective layer for some farmers' crops

First at Five looks at what impact this year’s frigid winter will have on spring.

While heavy snowfall may mean extra work clearing driveways and vehicles, farmer’s say it comes as a benefit for some of their crops.

Jordan Eyamie, president of Horticulture Nova Scotia and a farm manager, says traditional snow is better for farmers’ crops because it shields plants from the intense cold.

She says she’s grateful for the extra layer of protection winter is providing.

“We are thankfully able to get the straw on, but with this added insulation of the snow, that’s even more protection, which is awesome for protecting against winter injury,” Eyamie says.

From the fields to the forest, the snow and cold also helps as a form of fire suppression.

A spokesperson from the province’s Department of Natural Resources says having snow cover boosts moisture levels in the ground.

“Ideally, we’d like a slow melting of the snow cover. That would help keep moisture levels in the ground and in trees, but there is no guarantee of that,” Rudee Gaudet says.

Although some believe the snowy, cold weather helps slow the growing tick population, Mount Allison University biology professor Vett Lloyd says otherwise.

“Unfortunately, cold bothers us, it does not bother the ticks. At the start of winter, they will crawl to the top layer of ground under leaves and sticks and so forth, they’ll curl up and they just sit out the winter.”

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page