Runoff into a dugout in December is a hopeful sign for the local agriculture community. (Photo Courtesy Nicole Neubauer)

By Brian Konrad

Fall moisture welcome by agriculture community in southeastern Alberta

Dec 29, 2022 | 12:10 PM

CYPRESS COUNTY, AB — Last week’s warm-up produced a rare December event at Neubauer Farms in Cypress County – water running off into a dugout.

Nicole Neubauer knows the snow can be a pain to shovel and a problem for motorists but after diminished snowfall and tiny runoff the last few seasons, it brings hope to livestock producers.

“For ranchers in the area, we’re really desperate for water. Capturing water in dugouts right now for watering stock in the spring, that’s a real priority for people” says Neubauer.

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“We can have some nice rains in the spring that grows good grass but if you don’t have water you can’t have livestock on to take advantage of that,” explains Neubauer.

Twenty-five millimetres of rain fell in the Irvine area just before freeze-up, and Neubauer says that insured both runoff and sub-soil moisture reserves to get crops started in the spring.

The wind last week also pushed snow into coulees and draws where it will nourish early spring growth of grass as well.

Environment Canada says Medicine Hat has received twice as much precipitation this November and December, compared to last year.

So far, 62.8 millimetres of precipitation has been measured at the Medicine Hat airport, not including the snow overnight.

That compares to 24.6 mm in the same two-month period a year ago.

With strong prices for commodities and cattle, Neubauer says 2023 is shaping up nicely for the agriculture community.