Drought conditions have led one Alberta county to declare an Agricultural State of Emergency

Jun 20, 2023

The County of Stettler is the first to make that declaration.

A very light snowpack with no run-off combined with an early and extended heat wave and no moisture led Council to make the announcement.

In a press release from the county Reeve Larry Clarke says they've been hearing the pleas from farmers and producers and they needed to take action.

"We’re seeing exceptionally large numbers of livestock being dispersed at auction marts for this time of year and producers are contacting us to report they are out of feed, cannot afford feed, and looking ahead and realizing at this point that the probability of growing feed to support their operations is very, very slim."

Quinton Beaumont, Manager of Agricultural Operations notes that while the Alberta Government has announced some pasture programs due to the wildfire situation, no programs for drought assistance have been announced.

"We are seeing producers putting herds out into their hay fields, with no other options at hand beyond herd dispersals."

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Video: Summer Crop Scouting MN Farm!

Crop scouting is a vital part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), helping identify pests, optimize input use, and protect yields. Scouts act as the grower’s field observers, offering timely insights.

In this webinar, Liz Gartman, UW–Madison Extension regional crops educator, provides an introduction to crop scouting, covering everything from pre-field preparation to in-field tools, resources, and best practices.

Preparation includes understanding field history, gathering tools, and setting communication expectations. In the field, scouts assess plant health, pest presence, and environmental stress using systematic patterns. Accurate documentation and clear reporting are essential. Tools like soil surveys, weather data, and pest calendars support decision-making. Ultimately, crop scouting builds trust, supports sustainability, and ensures informed, timely responses to field conditions.