Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Dry winter has Alberta farmers longing for rain

Lack of moisture could impact grass and forage

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

Farmers, in Alberta especially, need rain.

After an extremely dry and warm winter, producers in the province are hoping the rain falls as a crucial time approaches.

Murray Marsh, a grain and cattle farmer near Carstairs, Alberta, told CBC that some of his 120 cows are ready to give birth and rains are needed to provide enough food for the herd.

“If we don’t get the moisture prior to mid-April, it starts to limit the amount of grass and forage we’ll get,” he said.

Rain

“It would be ideal if we could get some moisture now,” Debbie Marsh, Murray’s wife said in an interview with CBC.

According to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s latest Moisture Situation Update, parts of Alberta experienced the kind of drought that only comes around every 50 years.

Rain is coming, but producers in Alberta wonder if it will be enough.

Data from The Weather Network shows light rain on Thursday, April 14, and Monday, April 18 could be cloudy with showers.

Alberta farmers have been struggling with drought since at least last August, when the province declared an agricultural disaster after uncooperative weather was estimated to decrease crop yields by as much as 30 per cent.


Trending Video

KIOTI RX 7340 Customization | An Updated Overview

Video: KIOTI RX 7340 Customization | An Updated Overview

KIOTI Tractor Specialist Neal Darby takes you through an updated overview of the impressive RX7340. Packed with new upgrades and enhanced features, the RX7340 is the perfect example of a powerful, reliable tractor that can tackle any job on your property. With its 73 horsepower capability, this tractor is designed to handle even the toughest tasks, from landscaping to heavy-duty work. Watch as Neal walks you through the key improvements that make the RX7340 stand out and why it’s the ideal choice for those looking for versatility, performance, and durability.