It is no secret that this summer has been a difficult growing season for farmers throughout Alberta. Today (August 6, 2021), Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced in Bowden, new drought support for Alberta's farmers. 

“These conditions have out livestock producers face to face with some heart breaking choices that put their operations at risk for the future. They need our help. Farmers and ranchers are always there for us when we need them. Year in and year out, they’re producing the food that stocks our grocery store shelves and gives us the food security that we have come to take for granted,” said Premier Jason Kenney.

The Alberta government will be allocating $136 million in immediate financial relief for livestock producers and Alberta beekeepers.

“In addition we made a request in the joint federal provincial Agri-Recovery program for the federal government to provide an additional $203 million on top of our contribution for a total relief package of $339 million dollars,” said Kenney.

The request for additional money remains under review at this time.

“This new money and these changes will not solve all the problems created by drought conditions in parts of the province but they will farmers and ranchers some room to breathe and hopefully some peace of mind,” said Kenney.

Additionally Environment Minister, Jason Nixon announced a few supports aimed at ensuring grazers have food for longer. These include the following items:

  • The department of Environment and Parks will be accepting subletting applications to ensure grazers have access to public land where there is feed.
  • Alberta Environment and Parks will be opening public land across the province to work with grazers in order to get access to feed as well as haying on public lands.
  • The eastern slopes and forest reserve will be kept open as long as possible this year in order to prevent having to use winter feed as long as possible.
  • Speeding up water licenses and access to water Environment and Parks employees must respond to producers within three days.

Livestock producers interested in these measures are encouraged to call 310-3276 (FARM).

In addition to drought, farmers have also be dealing with hail damage to crops as well. The Canadian Crop Hail Association member companies are investigating more than 311 claims of crop damage in Western Canada. In a recent release by the organization listed the communities of Barrhead, Gem, Westlock Viking and Lacombe in Alberta as having damages caused by storms.