(Photo Credit: County of Grande Prairie)

By Nathaniel Leigh

County of Grande Prairie

County of Grande Prairie declares agricultural disaster due to drought conditions

Jul 18, 2025 | 12:08 PM

An agricultural disaster has been declared in the County of Grande Prairie.

The declaration was issued by county council due to ongoing and severe drought conditions and low soil moisture levels in a growing season that is already showing significantly reduced hay harvests.

Extended dry weather and drought conditions over the past two growing seasons have significantly impacted local agricultural businesses. By issuing this declaration, we are helping bring attention to the current severe drought conditions impacting crop and livestock producers in the region. Bob Marshall, Reeve of the County of Grande Prairie

The County is joining other municipalities in Alberta and western Canada with the declaration, including the Municipal District of Greenview, who made the decision to declare a livestock agricultural disaster July 8.

Another poor year will worsen the challenging times producers in our municipality have faced in recent years, with many facing tough decisions on the future of their operations. t’s important that we present the seriousness of the situation to the provincial and federal governments to help ensure our producers receive the necessary support they require,” adds Marshall in a release from the county.

The County of Grande Prairie had announced an agricultural disaster in 2024 as well, as a result of low crop yields caused by severe drought conditions.