Parched crop - CHAT file photo

By Dori Modney

Alberta Agriculture Minister outlines dry weather support for farmers and ranchers

Jul 20, 2021 | 1:20 PM

EDMONTON, AB. — The provincial government has taken notice of the devastating impacts that extreme dry conditions are having on farmers and ranchers throughout the province.

During a virtual Federal-Provincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministers’ meeting last week, Alberta’s agriculture minister, Devin Dreeshen and other ministers urged the federal government to recognize the hardships faced by Alberta’s producers and asked that they implement an AgriRecovery initiative as soon as possible.

Not only the Prairie provinces, but also Ontario, raised the extreme dry conditions that are increasing costs and diminishing yields for farmers and ranchers.

Dreeshen noted that with a federal election looming, Alberta received verbal commitment from Ottawa that a joint AgriRecovery program will be initiated to support Prairie producers affected by drought conditions prior to an election.

While details of an AgriRecovery program are still being developed with industry, Dreeshen indicated he would work with his provincial and federal counterparts to ensure Alberta’s farmers and ranchers are supported.

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“We are working with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, local municipalities, and commodity groups to provide producers with the supports they need to make it through the ongoing dry conditions. I have advised AFSC crop adjustors to complete early assessments on pastureland and standing crops to address forecasted feed shortages and promote flexibility.”

A well, the province announced a 20 per cent reduction in insurance premiums this year, which allowed almost 400 additional farmers and ranchers to enrol in crop, pasture and forage insurance that protects against weather-related production loss.

Dreeshen also said, “Alberta has a Water Pumping Program that provides assistance to producers for the emergency filling of dugouts for livestock. Producers can rent pipe and pumping equipment from the province to fill dugouts or other suitable catch basins from nearby water sources for their animals.”

“I want all farmers and ranchers across Alberta to know that we hear you, and we will do everything we can to support you through this very challenging time.”