State of Agricultural Disaster Declared
State of Agricultural Disaster Declared
At the Regular Meeting of Council on August 12, 2025, Council declared a State of Agricultural Disaster due to 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. 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.
It is important to understand that a declaration of agricultural disaster does not automatically result in additional funding programs, provincially or federally. It does raise awareness to governments of the challenges local producers face, which could lead to some form of support and assistance.