Ducks Play Havoc With Crops

In September 1922, as farmers were trying to get in the crops that they could after a dry season, ducks suddenly descended on the district to cause mayhem.

The previous few months, very little rain had fell on the area and the crops were considered to be short.

Then, in early September 1922, flocks of ducks arrived on their migrations and landed in the fields where they feasted on the grain still in the fields.

It was reported that the ducks were playing havoc with wheat and barley crops.

For many farmers, this was bad news as a drought since July had left them with a shortage of straw, and decreased yields of wheat and barley. In some cases, the crops were only a few inches above the ground. This was perfect for the ducks who arrived and started their feast at the expense of the farmers. If the grain was green and soft, the ducks would have avoided it.

It was reported that the ducks preferred to eat the crops at sunrise and sundown, and then went off on their way. The Saskatoon Daily Star reported,

“Mr. and Mrs. Duck have adopted a new procedure that is to their liking. At sunrise and sundown they fly to the grain fields and they simply reach out for the palatable pellets. Down come the heads of grain in the most approved fashion and in less than no time, the winged flock are enjoying their meal with all the ease and comfort of a buffet.”

There was little farmers could do because of the size of the flocks of ducks, except wait for the weather to allow for the further growing of the grain.

All in all, it was a rough year for local farmers, and ducks were public enemy number one.

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