Big Lakes County Council has officially declared a Municipal Agricultural Disaster in response to the ongoing and severe drought conditions that have deeply impacted local agricultural producers.
The County is experiencing an extreme moisture deficit due to a combination of factors, including lack of precipitation, minimal snowpack, low runoff, an early thaw, and existing moisture stress from previous years. These conditions have placed significant strain on crops, pastures, livestock, and the livelihoods of producers.
“Producers in our County are facing one of the most challenging years in recent memory,” says Big Lakes County Reeve Tyler Airth. “The lack of moisture is devastating crops and pastures, livestock feed is scarce and expensive, and mental and financial stress is mounting. Declaring this agricultural disaster is an important step in advocating for urgent support from both the provincial and federal governments.”
Livestock producers are reporting that pastures cannot sustain typical stocking rates and that feed supplies are limited, poor in quality, and increasingly costly. Many are being forced into difficult decisions, including culling herds and reducing operations. Grasshopper infestations have also exceeded thresholds in multiple areas, further contributing to pasture and hay losses.
Crop yields are expected to be well below average, with some fields already nearing the end of their life cycle without producing adequate yield potential. Even with late-season precipitation, recovery for most pastures and crops is no longer possible.
Weather data from June 1 to July 30, 2025, shows precipitation levels in areas of Big Lakes County at just 43% of normal. The Alberta Crop Report (July 29) indicates that 75% of crops in the Peace Region are rated poor to fair, with soil moisture ratings showing Big Lakes County among the hardest-hit areas.
Big Lakes County is requesting that the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation include Big Lakes County in the prescribed regions eligible for AgriRecovery and other relief programs, such as the Livestock Tax Deferral. The County is also urging the Minister to advocate to the federal government for the early release of the AgriRecovery prescribed region list to help relieve some of the immediate financial and mental health pressures on producers.
If Big Lakes County producers have any questions or concerns, please contact Big Lakes County Agricultural Services Manager Sarah Carins at 780-523-5955.
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Media Contact:
Victoria Zahacy
Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-523-5955
Email: [email protected]
