For a second year, the County of Grande declared an agricultural disaster, citing factors including severe drought and forecasted extended dry conditions.

According to county officials, the decision comes at a critical stage in the growing season, with yields expected to be lower and crop conditions described as marginal. Officials say the difficult growing season is impacting the local community and resulting in concerns for the livestock industry, specifically when it comes to feed resources in the fall and winter months.

In a statement, county officials say, “Lack of water for livestock is another increasing issue being reported, along with the presence of grasshoppers, which are further pressuring and stressing crops this year.” Reeve Bob Marshall adds, with these impacts spanning the past two growing seasons, it has made a significant impact on local agriculture businesses. 
 
“By issuing this declaration, we are helping bring attention to the current severe drought conditions impacting crop and livestock producers in the region,” Marshall says. “Another poor year will worsen the challenging times producers in our municipality have faced in recent years, with many facing tough decisions on the future of their operations.”

The County is one of several municipalities in not only the province but across Western Canada who has declared an agriculture disaster. Marshall adds that the county is urging both the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada to understand the seriousness of the situation and take the necessary steps to ensure producers are receiving the support they require.