Stettler County has declared Agricultural Disaster at their August 11, 2021 Regular Council Meeting. The County has determined that the 2021 growing season has been the third worst year in the last 50 years for moisture conditions. 

“Farmers are currently running combines on very short crops. We’re seeing crops that are too short for equipment to pick up,” said Larry Clarke, Reeve for the County of Stettler. “Farmers are going to be struggling to make something of their crops, and producers are going to be paying to find feed that is not going to be readily available. Surface water in some areas is in severe depletion, or in many cases bone dry,” he added. 

After the Government of Alberta announced relief for livestock and bee producers, the county is continues to await relief programs for other commodities. The county hopes declaration of Agricultural Disaster encouraged the provincial government to provide further relief and programming for agricultural producers. 

Most producers reported an intent to combine as the price of grains are holding, but those producers are expecting only limited economic benefit due to reduced yields (25-40%). Producers are reporting 20-40% yield of normal hay crop harvests. Pastures are dry and bare, with producers now having to consider downsizing their herds.