By Dori Modney with files from Alberta Canola connections

Chair of Alberta Canola sends message to farmers

Jul 23, 2021 | 3:35 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — While Alberta’s agricultural growing season began on a positive note this year, Mother Nature quickly relinquished her ‘motherly’ role.

Crop conditions are continually being updated across Alberta, but the picture isn’t getting any prettier. Between intense heat and little to no rain, crops are being decimated.

As of the middle of July, just 32 percent of Alberta’s canola crops rated good to excellent – the remaining 70 percent rated fair to poor, with estimates placing a larger number at “poor”. Similar ratings exist for a broad range of field crops.

Even irrigated crops have had a tought time – while the roots get watered, seed heads are withering under record breaking heat.

Kevin Serfas, Chair of Alberta Canola, notes that while crop insurance will be the primary risk management tool for grain and oilseed farmers, livestock producers are facing immediate feed and water shortages that are impacting animal health.

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Kevin Serfas, as published in Alberta Canola Connections

Serfas notes that Alberta Canola has been working on behalf of canola growers, as the growing awareness of the size and scope of the upcoming crop failure, Alberta Canola, along with its Team Alberta colleagues (Alberta Pulse Growers and the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions) met with the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Devin Dreeshen to discuss what the Government of Alberta could do.

A broader stakeholder meeting with Premier Kenney, Finance Minister Travis Toews, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Devin Dreeshen and Associate Minister of Rural Economic Development Nate Horner also took place to ensure the executive council is fully aware of the extent of the drought.

Provincial Resources

AFSC announced that drought impacted crops could be put to alternate uses, namely livestock feed. This allows growers with impacted crops to help neighbours with livestock. Team Alberta urged AFSC to ramp up and expedite claims so growers can get claims closed as soon as possible.

AFSC: Hot, dry weather may move producers to put crops to other uses

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has a water pumping program that makes high volume pumping equipment available. Minister Dreeshen also discussed initiating AgriRecovery with his counterparts and they agreed that the scope of the drought across the prairies was sufficient to begin preparations. What might arise out of this is yet to be seen, but getting the wheels turning before harvest was an important step.

Alberta Agriculture & Forestry: Farming in Dry Conditions

Canadian Canola Growers Association

Many growers have expressed concerns about not being able to deliver on forward priced delivery contracts. Our national producer group, the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA), developed resources that will help farmers navigate their contracts.

CCGA: A Practical Guide to Navigate Grain Contracts

CCGA: What to Consider if Production Comes Up Short on a Deferred Delivery Contract

CCGA: KnowYourGrade.ca website

The CCGA has also been talking to the Western Grain Elevator Association and the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association about the implications of short supply on contract fulfillment subsequent impacts to the value-added sector. CCGA along with the Grain Growers of Canada are supporting the Canadian Cattleman’s Association request for temporary but immediate drought related actions on crop insurance.

CCA: Canadian Cattlemen’s Association with the support of Canadian Canola Growers Association and Grain Growers of Canada request temporary but immediate drought related actions on crop insurance

Minister Bibeau hosted a press conference on Thursday, July 22, to highlight Support for farmers impacted by the extreme weather: help on the way for farmers and ranchers impacted by drought