The MD of Bonnyville has declared a state of municipal agricultural disaster due to ongoing drought conditions following recommendations from General manager of Environmental and Protective Services.
“While the M.D. does not currently meet the drought guidelines as published by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA), the lack of precipitation in the 14-day forecast will have the M.D. meeting the RMA drought standards in the next two weeks.” reads the release.
General manager of Environmental and Protective Services Matt Janz did field inspections and reported that canola crops are expected to see a loss in both quality and quantity, while cereal crops will also suffer if the area doesn’t get a significant amount of rain. He also noted that the norther part of the M.D. has been hit the hardest by the lack of moisture this year.
“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 the cattle. We have farmers looking at selling animals because of it.”
Other municipalities including, Cypress County, Pincher Creek, Greenview, Grand Prairie have all declared states of municipal agricultural disaster.
More details on drought-related programs and support will be shared on the M.D. of Bonnyville website by the end of July.
