At a regular meeting of council for Westlock County on August 12, council declared a state of agricultural disaster due to what they said is seasonally low precipitation which has negatively impacted crops, pasture and forage stands.
Drought, heat stress, and severe grasshopper infestations have hindered annual crop growth, causing poor pod fill, premature crop burn-off, and significant losses in forage and grain potential a news release said.
“Although recent moisture is providing some relief, it is too late for many fields, forcing livestock producers to consider early herd reductions due to limited and costly feed supplies, with long-term financial and economic consequences for the region,” said the press release.
A declaration of agricultural disaster does not automatically result in additional funding programs, provincially or federally but it does raise awareness to governments of the challenges local producers face, which could lead to some form of support and assistance.
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