M.D. declares state of municipal agricultural disaster

The M.D. of Bonnyville is sounding the alarm about the lack of precipitation and how its impacting local producers.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, the M.D. of Bonnyville declared a state of municipal agricultural disaster due to drought in the area. 

The M.D. notes in a press release on Wednesday morning that they don’t quite the guidelines set about by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta to declare drought.

However, the forecast for the next two weeks shows very little rain on the way, which have them meet the standard.

“There are many farmers in our area that would say we are already in an agricultural state of disaster,” said Reeve Barry Kalinski in the release. 

“Many farmers are having to feed extra because the pastures can’t sustain the cattle. We have farmers looking at selling animals because of it.” 

Cyprus County, Municipal District of Pincher Creek, Municipal District of Greenview, and the County of Grande Prairie have all recently declared states of municipal agricultural disaster. 

More information about drought-related programs will be made available on the M.D.’s website by the  end of July.