Rain Dances and Crop Chances: Farmers Seek Aid To Avoid “Disaster”

Recent August rains have helped some farms in Alberta, but many places still haven’t gotten enough. 

The Alberta Moisture Situation Update from August 9 said while some parts of Alberta received rain, the southern half of the province still needs more to counter the drought. 

These places have been dry for many months, especially during June and July, two crucial months for the growing season.

Because of low moisture levels, many areas in Alberta have declared themselves “agricultural disasters.” 

This is a way for municipalities to tell the provincial and federal governments they face big problems. 

This year, 15 municipalities and 3 Special Areas in Alberta declared such disasters. 

Even though these declarations sound very serious, they don’t change anything immediately. They are more like a call for help, telling higher-up officials in Edmonton and Ottawa they need support.

Last year, 2022, was a better year for farmers. 

But even in 2022, many municipalities faced drought conditions and declared agricultural disasters. 

Vulcan County is one municipality hard hit by drought. Kelly Malmberg, who works for the county, said the situation is making people tired and stressed, both mentally and financially.

The Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith, recently discussed the issue in a press conference. She believes there’s enough money in the province’s crop insurance program to help the farmers who have made claims.

For some farmers, especially in southern Alberta, it will be too late for their crops, even if it rains now. Danny LeRoy, a professor at the University of Lethbridge, told CBC News that the crops have gone too long without water, and rain now won’t help much.

The government is thinking of ways to help the farmers. There’s a program called AgriStability which is accepting late entries until September 29. Other provincial supports might become available too.

The Canadian government understands that farming is essential. When bad weather like droughts happens, it affects the farmers a lot. They are currently considering options to help those in the regions affected. 

According to Invest Alberta, farming made $8.1 billion for Alberta and gave more than 58,300 people jobs.