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

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:

In January 2024, the Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance initiative expanded to 23 new regions and the application deadline was extended to February 22.

Livestock drought assistance expanding to new regions in Alberta

Shortly thereafter, the Government of Alberta authorized the Drought Command Team to begin negotiations with major water license holders in southern Alberta river basins. The hope is to complete at least one water-sharing agreement for each of the Red Deer River, Box River, and Oldman River basins. The water-sharing agreements will be entered voluntarily and are expected to be completed before March 31.

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)
• AgriStability Program deadline extended – Bow Island Commentator (August 21)
• Support for livestock sector might need new approach – Western Producer (August 31)
• Awaited AgriRecovery funding announced for livestock producers affected by drought and wildfires in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and BC – RealAgriculture (October 20)
• Alberta livestock producers to receive $165M lifeline from feds, province amid brutal drought – Calgary Herald (October 20)
• Alta. livestock producers to receive $165M in drought support from provincial, federal program – CTV News Calgary (October 20)
• Alberta livestock producers to receive $165M lifeline from feds, province amid brutal drought – Edmonton Journal (October 20)
• New aid available for livestock producers hit hard by extreme weather – Red Deer Advocate (October 20)
• Livestock changes demanded – Western Producer (October 26)
• Canadian ranchers brace for long, lean winter after droughts, soaring feed costs – The Canadian Press (October 27)
• Province blames feds for limits to new beef program – Alberta Farmer Express (November 8)
• Parts of cattle country in ‘emergency situation’ for moisture – Western Producer (November 30)
• Drought Livestock Assistance Initiative expanded in Alberta – Rural Routes (January 25)

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