Drought and infestation prompts livestock agricultural disaster in western Alberta

The municipal district of Greenview says unexpected drought conditions have led them to declare an agricultural disaster regarding livestock.

A western Alberta municipal district is seeking provincial aid after declaring an agricultural disaster for the livestock industry last week.

The Municipal District of Greenview, which includes Grande Cache, Fox Creek and Valleyview, made the announcement July 8 after farmers faced months of drought and grasshopper infestation.

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Reeve Tyler Olsen, a Grande Cache council member, sent a letter to the minister of agriculture and irrigation disclosing concerns for farmers as some have begun tilling under the lay and contemplating early herd liquidation.

“The ongoing lack of precipitation over the past year, compounded by minimal spring runoff, has left pastures and hay lands severely depleted … In addition, grasshopper infestations have exceeded action thresholds across the region, further damaging what limited forage had managed to grow,” said Olsen.

In the letter, the council member urged the minister to include Greenview’s eligibility to the federal Livestock Tax Deferral program as many farmers are anticipating below-average crop quantities.

“Our producers are the backbone of not only our local economy, but also Alberta’s and Canada’s, and they need our full support now more than ever,” said Olsen.

CTV News Edmonton received a response from the minister of agriculture and irrigation Monday afternoon.

“There have been plenty of challenges thrown at our farmers and livestock producers over the past few years, and we know this one has been tough for many producers,” said RJ Sigurdson.

“Alberta is a big province, and conditions can vary widely between municipalities. Declaring an agriculture disaster brings awareness to a developing situation, informs relevant stakeholders, including governments, and supports collaboration among impacted producer groups.”

“We recommend producers explore Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s business risk management programs, which are designed to respond to each producer’s unique situation and offset the financial impact of many challenges,” he added.

According to the Provincial Crop Report released on July 4, only 21 per cent of hay and pasture land in the Peace region was rated as “good” or “excellent” while 79 per cent was deemed “fair” or “poor.”