Skip to content

Latest drought report in Alberta doesn’t see much change

The latest drought report completed isn’t looking optimistic for Ponoka district farmers and producers.
12871ponokadroughtfig4
Precipitation map

By Jasmine Franklin

The latest drought report completed isn’t looking optimistic for Ponoka district farmers and producers.

Stephanie Kosinski, Forage Specialist for Alberta Ag-Info Centre, said that because precipitation in January and February was moderately or very low, as a result, the northern and eastern regions of Alberta have suffered very low precipitation.

“For Ponoka County, and most of Alberta, we are going into 2010 with a moisture deficit,” Kosinski said. “We would need above average moisture in April and May and even then we would still be behind where we need to be.”

Higher than average temperatures in February resulted in a lower than average snow pack.

Kosinski said for farmers and producers this isn’t good news and “growth won’t happen at the normal time in spring because of this — it could be delayed anywhere from two to four weeks.”

“Farmers should start planning now for getting more feed and planting annual cereals for grazing.”

Managing and preparing for dry conditions

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s website offers strategies to prepare and manage dry conditions:

•Determine farm water requirement and identify the potential of your water system.

•Plan cropping and water supply strategies that will respond to specific needs

•Consider alternate uses for crops if you are impacted by dry conditions

•Read Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s Drought Reports available at www.agric.gov.ab.ca

•Call the Ag-Info Centre toll free at 310-FARM (3276)

•Use cost/benefit worksheets to determine whether you should consider reducing your livestock inventory

•Participate in a crop insurance program to cover the business risk of growing crops that may be affected by dry conditions. Visit www.afsca.ca for more information