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: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.