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By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

GP Wapiti MLA says drought has already led to policy changes, more help coming

Aug 4, 2021 | 5:30 AM

The MLA for GP-Wapiti calls the current conditions for farmers and ranchers “a really significant drought.”

Travis Toews says what makes this drought unique is that is happening across the west.

“I’m hearing reports, and even in our own ranching operation, we’re looking at about a third of the feed we would normally put up. That’s what’s out there. Everybody is taking a look at how to gather up enough feed to, at a minimum, get our mother cow herd through the winter.”

Toews had previously served as president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, says there is typically a higher cull in the cow herd during dry years.

He adds this can be concerning if a lot of animals are sold.

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“Our cow herd in this province, and in western Canada, is really the factory for our cattle and beef industry supply chain. Cattle feeders, feedlots, depend on that cow herd. Our (beef) processing capacity in the Province of Alberta represents 85 per cent of the nation’s capacity.”

Toews says prices will soften as more cows hit the market, something that is already happening. He says the feeder market is still staying strong, something he hopes continues into fall.

The County of Grande Prairie and the MD of Greenview recently declared agricultural disasters in hopes of getting some attention and help from the provincial and federal governments.

Toews says the drought has already led to the government making some policy changes.

“Providing some policy relief. He’s (Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen) also added AFSC crop inspectors, crop insurance inspectors so crops can be inspected on a timely basis. There’s additional work being done right now on additional relief.”

Toews says he is thankful that the government reduced crop insurance premiums this year. He says that led to more producers insuring their crops.

He adds the biggest need now is maximizing the value of the crop that is there and that is why AFSC policies have been changed to double the threshold for deciding what crops can still be salvaged for feed while the producer still gets an insurance payout.