Courtesy: M.D. of Greenview
Two rural municipalities in northwestern Alberta are sounding the alarm over extremely dry conditions that local officials say are threatening the livelihood of many cattle ranchers in the region.
On July 8, the Municipal District of Greenview, located about 400 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, declared a municipal agricultural disaster for its livestock industry.
In a news release, the M.D. of Greenview said some producers are tilling under hay land in hopes of producing green feed in the latter half of the season while others are contemplating liquidation, approaching auction markets for early opening.
“By declaring an agricultural disaster, Greenview is formally recognizing the severe challenges our farmers and ranchers are facing,” said Reeve Tyler Olsen.
“We urge all levels of government and the public to understand the gravity of the situation and to support the agricultural community through this difficult time. 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.”
With widespread dry weather persisting throughout the region, the neighbouring County of Grande Prairie also declared an agricultural disaster on July 18 due to similar concerns for their livestock herds.
In their press release, the County of Grande Prairie said the decision comes at a critical stage in the growing season which is already showing significantly reduced hay harvests, poor tame pasture conditions, and marginal annual crop conditions.
Comments