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Vol. 10, No. 41, Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Ag disaster declared Poor pasture land, lack of livestock feed, enough proof for Lamont County KERRY ANDERSON After a suggestion from the Ag. Services Board (ASB), Lamont County decided to call this growing season an agricultural disaster. T h e decision came following an August 5 special meeting of council, in which ASB chairman and Deputy Reeve Dan Wa r a w a said it was r e c o m mended by both ASB Deputy Reeve, and the ASB Chairman Dan Warawa North East Drought Committee, in which Lamont County is a member. Although Councillor Warawa said there is no guarantee or even suggestion of funds available at this point, he said council felt it was most prudent to make the emergency declaration. “Rain has been sporadic in the county,” said Warawa. “We have a variation of soils. Even marginal soils, if we get a more normal four or five inches of rain in June will get a good crop.” He pointed out that although some farmers got a decent amount of June percipitation, many got almost nothing. “June 28 and 29 we got one and seven-tenth inches in two days, but that was almost too late.” But Warawa was also hesitant about calling this year a disaster. He said cerials are shorter, same with oil seeds, but barlies are lodging.
The deciding factor was with livestock and pasture land, he said. “One producer north of Mundare usually get 859 bales from his pasture land and this year only got 249. On Highway 16 and RR181, a guy who usually gets 159 bales only got 39 this year,” said the Deputy Reeve. Taking that into account, Warawa said feed prices have gone from $45 a bale to $200. The agricultural emergency could not be called previously because regulations state that all councillors need to
be present and some were away on holidays or other commitments. So when Aug. 5 finally came around and all county councillors were able to attend, the group made its declaration at a special meeting. The declaration will enable producers to participate in any programs that the provincial or federal governments may put in place in the future in order to provide aid. Lamont County will continue to be in contact with the both the Provincial and Federal Governments on issues
affecting the agricultural industry. Producers are encouraged to consult Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) or visit their website for updated information on assistance programs. The declaration also points to moisture deficiency, excessive heat and a larger than normal grasshopper population resulting in poor crops throughout the county as reasons for council’s decision.
Lamont County stated that it has called a state of Agricultural Disaster due to the livestock industry in the county. Livestock producers like here at Highway 29 and RR183, are short of feed and costs to purchase has quadrupled.