CALGARY, AB – Provincial resources are being put together to help Alberta ranchers suffering through this hot, dry summer.
Agriculture Minister Devin Dreeshan says the government is working with industry to identify the most pressing concerns right now and making sure ranchers have the supports they need.
The province, especially southern Alberta has been hit hard by what has been an extreme drought year with next to no rainfall, very hot weather for weeks, and in some cases insect infestations.
Some farmers have reported complete crop loss, with Vulcan County declaring a municipal agriculture disaster back in July.
The ongoing hot weather has placed additional stress on growing crops and water supply in some areas. Livestock owners depend on both for their animals and without, some ranchers could face difficult decisions when it comes to sourcing food, getting water, and selling off herds.
The provincial government says large parts of Alberta are experiencing 365 day moisture deficits that happen less than once in 50 years. That, coupled with below average rainfall this growing season, very hot temperatures and at time high wind, has led to a lack of total moisture across many agriculture regions.
Alberta is also requesting the federal government undertake a formal assessment for an AgriRecovery response.
