On Thursday, July 24, the County of Northern Lights Council held a special council meeting. The agenda included a discussion of the agricultural conditions in the County.
Drought conditions in the county began last summer, resulting in increased pest pressure and poor pasture, hay, and silage yields. Additionally, sporadic and little rainfall has severely limited the yield potential of all crops in the area. Entering the current farming year, conditions have worsened for many producers throughout the Peace region. The Peace region is now classified as having severe drought conditions.
After discussion with Blake Gaugler, Agriculture Fieldman, the Council has declared an Agricultural Disaster.
Council has also requested that the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
- Work with the federal government to release the prescribed regions early and be added to the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Provision.
- Engage with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) to retroactively increase the low yield allowance in affected areas to allow more crops to be converted to feed
- Initiate AgriRecovery and develop a disaster package if drought-affected areas continue to grow
Council believes that being added to the livestock tax deferral program early will help producers plan for winter and possibly offer some mental relief.