Struggling Through Drought: Sheep Farmers in South Greenland Face Challenges
In South Greenland, sheep farmers are grappling with the harsh realities of an exceptionally dry summer, marked by almost complete absence of rain. Mads Kanuthsen, a sheep farmer from Uummannartiivaq near Narsarsuaq, watches as his fields dry up, leaving him to contemplate the possibility of sourcing winter feed from outside.
The rain gauge in Narsarsuaq bore stark witness to this drought, recording less than a millimeter of precipitation throughout June. For Kanuthsen, the impact on his fields and livestock is disheartening. “The extreme drought in June severely affected our fields. The areas we sowed dried up rapidly, and in some spots, the crops have failed entirely,” he lamented.
Kanuthsen, along with his family, manages a herd of about 550 sheep, 17 cattle, and seven horses. Their 30 hectares of farmland are vital for providing winter feed for the animals, making the rainless June particularly worrisome.
As the region’s farmers continue to monitor weather forecasts with unwavering vigilance, Kanuthsen shares a sentiment echoed throughout the community. “Whenever I meet with other sheep farmers, we find ourselves perpetually checking the weather updates. Our phones could almost speak, saying, ‘Still no rain.’ Our hope for precipitation hangs by a thread,” he remarked.
A Hunger for Rain: The Upcoming Winter’s Burden
The severe lack of rain has dramatically curtailed the amount of grass harvested for winter fodder. “Count on our fields? That’s tough. Less grass means we’ll face the necessity of importing feed,” Kanuthsen observed grimly.
Typically, when fields yield less over time, farmers rotate and renew the crops to enhance growing conditions. This year, however, the drought has forced Kanuthsen’s family to delay those essential plans. “Our field renewal plans have been severely limited. We’re holding off on some fields to prevent further soil deterioration. That work will have to wait until next year,” he explained.
A Silver Lining: May’s Generous Rainfall
Despite the bleakness of June, the heavy rains in May provided a vital lifeline. “If it hadn’t rained so much in May, our lambs would be thin and the pastures would be barren,” Kanuthsen recalled. “That rainfall was truly a saving grace for us.”
While some of Kanuthsen’s fields benefit from moist terrain, the majority remain thirsty, exposed to the whims of nature. Last month, the dryness was so severe that he had to resort to irrigation. “We initially used a nearby stream, but when that dried up too, we hit a wall. If only we had a lake nearby for irrigation,” he said, lamenting the shortage.
As vital rainfall is crucial for their livelihood, Kanuthsen and his fellow farmers are fervently wishing for a replenishing downpour. Fortunately, July offered a glimmer of hope with some rainfall. “Recently, after a rain shower, our son noted that the healthier fields would soon recover because the soil quickly absorbed moisture,” he observed with cautious optimism, even as he takes a brief holiday in Denmark.
As South Greenland navigates this dry season, the resilience of its farmers remains stalwart, driven by hope and the ever-elusive promise of rain.