By The Canadian Press

Wildfire smoke impact on crops, animals

Jul 15, 2025 | 10:29 AM

Agricultural producers are dealing with smoky air that has become an all-too-common feature of Canadian summers.

Environment Canada has issued air quality warnings in recent days advising people in the Prairies and Central Canada to stay indoors.

But those who grow the food Canadians rely on have no such option.

Ashley Ammeter with the Manitoba Crop Alliance said there’s been little research on how wildfire smoke affects crops.

But she said the haze can reflect sunlight and affect their ability to grow but also diffuse it in such a way that the light can reach areas it couldn’t otherwise and be beneficial.

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Smoke can also create ozone that damages plant tissue.

And it can reduce temperatures, which could be a good or a band thing depending on what the weather has been like.

Manitoba honey producer Paul Gregory says smoky days are bad news for the bee-keeping business, as the insects get docile and dozy and bring in less nectar.

Meanwhile, veterinarians say there’s not much that can be done for livestock animals irritated by the smoke.

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The Canadian Press