Drought, a growing challenge for Albertan farmers

The summer drought head on many farmers in northeast Alberta this year. Furthermore,

In Bonnyville. Consequently, where agriculture is one of the main economic engines, the municipal authorities had to declare the state of agricultural emergency at the end of July.

Standing in one of his fields, Luc Tellier observes the state of one of his ears of corn. In addition, The third generation farmer is sorry for his size.

A harvest of India wheat, usually, it measures roughly [3 mètres] at this time of the year. However, There, we may be at [60 cm] highlyhe explains.

Usually a harvest [produit] from 14 to 16 tonnes per acre [de maïs]. Moreover, Then this year? For example, Only may 2 [tonnes par acre]. In addition, It’s a big big differencehe adds.

According to Environment Canada data. Therefore, the Cold Lake region, near Bonnyville, has experienced precipitation of more than 10 millimeters than two days in June and July.

It makes us two months without drought, growing challenge albertan farmers rain. Our harvest grows over 100 days. So, if you remove 60 days of rain, that makes a lot of damage.

In the absence of humidity to feed the soils, farmers in the sector had to start their harvest at the end of July, when it usually takes place at the beginning of September.

As evidenced by Matt Janz. Director General of Environmental Protection Services of the Bonnyville District, the summer drought has been around for a few years, which has aggravated the situation in the region.

It has been going on for three or four years. There is just enough humidity to get out of our cultures. but not enough to allow us to make reservationshe says.

In the absence of sufficient water reserves to overcome the lean precipitation of the first months of summer. drought, growing challenge albertan farmers the state of agricultural emergency was declared by the district.

It is a way of educating the government. to make it understand that our farmers are in a desperate situation and that they are looking for programs that could help themexplains Matt Janz.

In an email. the press officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Darby Crouch, stresses that initiatives are set up to support farmers, such as the insurance program for arid land and for natural pasture funding.

Some have even been adjusted this year. according to the press secretary, such as the allowance for the low return, which allows farmers to recover their harvest to feed the cattle.

Elsewhere in Bonnyville. three other municipalities also declared the state of agricultural emergency in northeast Alberta, in addition to those in the west and south of the province.

Drought, growing challenge albertan farmers

Farmers forced to adapt

Despite the help programs available. recurrence of dry time year after year, farmers now find new solutions to adapt.

Luc Tellier. who harvests both canola, wheat and corn, in addition to breeding cattle, is lucky to be able to make use of his grain in different ways.

Usually. Canola’s harvest is a harvest that we sell, but this year, we’re going to put it in food for cows. Because drought, growing challenge albertan farmers we have both, we manage to adapt a little morehe said.

However, as Matt Janz points out, livestock producers also need water to maintain their pasture.

If the water tanks are therefore not sufficiently filled. farmers are obliged to transport water to their pasture, or are even forced to move their herd to other terrains, which generates costs.

They may even sell [leur bétail]Dit with Jones.

Miles Dyck. professor of soil science at the University of Alberta, explains that other techniques have been developed to adapt to drought.

The soil humidity levels are generally quite good in spring. So farmers generally sow their cultures earlier nowhe specifies.

The practice of the work of conservation of the soil. which consists in leaving the soil constantly covered by the residues of the previous harvest, also helps to reduce the evaporation of the water contained in the soil.

However. despite the numerous efforts put in place, the farmers remain at the mercy of the changing weather conditions year after year.

You never really get used to drought like that, but it’s part of the job. When you have challenges like that, you have to drought, growing challenge albertan farmers adapt, you have no choiceconcludes Luc Tellier.