Drought and Dry Conditions

Includes: Updates from Government (and maps) | Drought Support and Resources | The Latest from ABP Daily | In the News | Looking after You

The following areas have declared States of Agricultural Disaster:

• Cardston County
• Clear Hills County
• County of Forty Mile
• County of Northern Lights
• County of Paintearth No. 18
• County of Stettler No. 6
• Cypress County
• Foothills County
• Kneehill County
• Municipal District of Acadia
• Municipal District of Pincher Creek
• Municipal District of Taber
• Special Areas No. 2
• Special Areas No. 3
• Special Areas No. 4
• Starland County
• Vulcan County
• Wheatland County

On July 4, 2023, the Government of Alberta initiated the AgriRecovery process with a formal Request for Assessment from the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation to the Federal Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

On July 7, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) shared it is doubling this year’s low yield allowance for cereal and pulse crops to be salvaged for livestock feed.

Livestock and poultry producers who have urgent need for an alternative water supply for their animals should contact Alberta Environment and Protected Areas for Temporary Livestock Water Assistance.

On August 21, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, announced an initial list of designated regions where Livestock Tax Deferral has been authorized for 2023 due to extreme weather conditions.

Also on August 21, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Honourable RJ Sigurdson shared the following update with stakeholders:

Alberta livestock producers have faced significant challenges as a result of dry conditions.
I am urgently pursuing a Canada-Alberta joint response to provide producers with the supports they need to cover extraordinary expenses.

See the letter I sent this afternoon to update… pic.twitter.com/ePlwPOFdrk

— RJ Sigurdson (@RjSigurdson) August 21, 2023

Alberta Beef Producers continues to work with the Government of Alberta to explore the possibilities of a potential disaster relief framework.

Updates from Government of Alberta

Drought Support

• Temporary Livestock Water Assistance – Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
• Putting poor crops to alternate use – Agriculture Financial Services Corporation
• Livestock Tax Deferral Provision – Government of Canada

• Agriculture Moisture Update – Government of Alberta
• Climate and Atlas Maps – Government of Alberta
• Drought Management Strategies – Beef Cattle Research Council

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The Latest from ABP Daily

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In the News

• Alberta farmers already battling ‘extreme’ drought this growing season – Calgary Herald (June 12)
• Hot and dry conditions could produce ‘catastrophic’ situation for Alberta ranchers – Global News (June 12)
• If you think this week’s rain means relief for Alberta farmers, think again – CBC Calgary (June 15)
• Dryness gets serious in cattle country – The Western Producer (June 22)
• Fewer cattle but bigger herds: Alberta cow-calf farmers in a shifting industry – CBC Edmonton (July 2)
• ‘Agricultural disaster’ declared in parts of Alberta thanks to years of drought – CBC National (July 4)
• Calls for financial relief for Alberta farmers amid continued extreme conditions – Global News (July 10)
• High beef prices a bright spot for Alberta producers coping with prolonged drought – CBC News (July 11)
• Calls for financial relief for Alberta farmers amid continued extreme conditions – 630 Ched | 770 CHQR (July 12)
• ‘Scary situation’ in Alberta’s drought-stricken fields raises questions about farming’s future – CBC News (July 18)
• ‘It’s Severe’: Parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan Hammered by Drought – The Epoch Times (August 16)
• La situation est « extrême » pour certains éleveurs du sud de l’Alberta – Radio-Canada (August 16)
• Struggling ranchers call for fix to disaster relief – Western Producer (August 20)

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