By Chris Brown

Local state of agricultural disaster declared in Cypress County

Jul 5, 2023 | 3:14 PM

DUNMORE, AB – Cypress County has declared a local state of agricultural disaster for the third consecutive year.

In a news release, the county says not enough rain and extended hot weather have resulted in poor soil conditions and a proliferation of grasshoppers in the county has made matters worse for producers.

“We have a situation where the native grasses didn’t even really wake up,” said Ward 9 councillor Keith Ritz of farms in his area. “They’re still dormant. It has not sustained growth in the crops.”

Adds Ward 8 councillor Shane Hok, “It is unreal the amount of grasshoppers I have. It gets depressing. If we start selling our cows, it’s going to have a ripple effect.”

According to the Alberta Crop Report soil moisture ratings as of June 27 in the southern part of the province were largely poor (32.1 per cent) or fair (42.7 per cent). The stimated soil moisture in Cypress County compared to the long-term normal is rated anywhere from moderately low to as low as it’s been in 50-plus years.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

7h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

The decision to declare the state of agricultural disaster aims to make provincial and federal governments aware so that they might be able to offer relief or other funding for producers, says the county. Agricultural businesses could be forced to shut down without assistance which would compound food chain problems in the future.

Cypress County joins other Alberta municipalities including Stettler, Paintearth, Foothills and Vulcan in declaring an agricultural state of disaster this year.