Dry conditions are wreaking agricultural havoc in the Municipal District of Bonnyville, leading to a state of municipal agricultural disaster.
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The MD made the declaration at the July 22 regular council meeting following recommendations from the General Manager of Environmental and Protective Services.
The MD doesn’t currently meet drought guidelines, but the lack of precipitation in the 14-day forecast will have them meeting the Rural Municipalities of Alberta drought standards in the next two weeks.
Matt Janz, general manager of environmental and protective services, conducted field inspections last week and found the quality and quantity of canola crops will be greatly reduced at harvest.
“There are many farmers in our area that would say we are already in an agricultural state of disaster,” said Reeve Barry Kalinski. “Many farmers are having to feed extra because the pastures can’t sustain cattle. We have farmers looking at selling animals because of it.”
Janz also indicated cereal crops will suffer if the municipality does not receive a significant amount of moisture in the near future.
More information about drought-related programs will be made available on the MD’s website at the end of July.
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