Farms.com Home   News

Drought conditions have led one Alberta county to declare an Agricultural State of Emergency

The County of Stettler is the first to make that declaration.

A very light snowpack with no run-off combined with an early and extended heat wave and no moisture led Council to make the announcement.

In a press release from the county Reeve Larry Clarke says they've been hearing the pleas from farmers and producers and they needed to take action.

"We’re seeing exceptionally large numbers of livestock being dispersed at auction marts for this time of year and producers are contacting us to report they are out of feed, cannot afford feed, and looking ahead and realizing at this point that the probability of growing feed to support their operations is very, very slim."

Quinton Beaumont, Manager of Agricultural Operations notes that while the Alberta Government has announced some pasture programs due to the wildfire situation,  no programs for drought assistance have been announced.

"We are seeing producers putting herds out into their hay fields, with no other options at hand beyond herd dispersals."

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Farm Succession Planning: Agricultural Estates Navigate Fair and Equal

Video: Farm Succession Planning: Agricultural Estates Navigate Fair and Equal

Succession and estate planning may sound similar—but they’re not the same. And here’s the kicker: only 20–30% of farms actually have a succession plan in place. Why? Because talking about death, taxes, and who gets what isn’t exactly dinner-table conversation. Mike Downey, Succession Planning Manager at Uncommon Farms, returns to break down the realities of passing the farm to the next generation whether the heirs are on or off-farm. We start the conversation so you can avoid common pitfalls, navigate sensitive family dynamics, and take the first steps toward a smoother transition for your operation.