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The County of Stettler Agriculture Services Board (ASB) discussed the issue of “pockets of drought” in the municipality. The issue came up at the Aug. 28 regular ASB meeting.
The ASB is comprised of members of county council and is chaired by Coun. Les Stulberg.
Stulberg began the discussion during the “board members request for information” part of the agenda by mentioning a County of Stettler producer had recently contacted him from the Westwoods area who noted that it’s much dryer this year than last year in the north parts of the County of Stettler. This producer was in search of drought assistance programs.
Stulberg stated in 2023 there were many more avenues a producer could turn to when looking for drought assistance as the disaster affected virtually the entire province and also drew much more publicity.
This year, however, drought is affecting “pockets” of Alberta and the County of Stettler with Stulberg stating he hoped the provincial and federal governments realize there are still small areas coping with extreme dryness.
While Stulberg noted he suspects there are some drought assistance programs out there, he promised this producer he would bring the issue of drought assistance in 2024 to the ASB meeting.
Coun. James Nibourg stated that “pockets” of drought is unfortunately the situation as most producers aren’t suffering from extreme lack of moisture and said he sympathized with those producers who do find themselves in that situation.
Nibourg thought the best solution would be for producers to call the County of Stettler Ag Services office for advice.
Manager of Agriculture Services Quentin Beaumont noted the best solution would be to direct this fellow to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), which is a branch of the provincial government which handles farm financing and drought assistance programs.
Readers should note there is an AFSC office in Stettler (403-740-4200) and many other communities such as Hanna, Provost and Oyen in the ECA Review circulation area (toll free information 1-877-899-2372) .
Coun. Dave Grover noted that 2024 might be a bit dryer than normal, but moisture conditions seem average most places; he observed that the Dickson Dam on the Red Deer River is at 95 per cent normal levels and while runoff was a bit later this year it topped up at normal levels.
Grover added he didn’t think there was much the County of Stettler could do for the dry “pockets” problem although he noted there does seem to be a lack of hay this year.
Nibourg wondered if the very difficult summer of 2023 carried over to 2024.
Grover responded that anyone who’s farmed in the County of Stettler longer than two years knows they have to plan ahead, even saving up feed for one or two years in advance.
Grover noted he thinks there might be overgrazing going on in the County of Stettler and felt that some producers have to keep in mind how many head they can realistically care for.
“You gotta plan for failure,” said Grover.
The board agreed a useful first step for County of Stettler producers who are in drought “pockets” would be to call the municipal ag services department at 403-742-4441.
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