MD of Taber declares state of agricultural disaster amid hot, dry conditions

In response to the widespread drought conditions, the Municipal District of Taber council declared a local state of agricultural disaster last week. The hot, dry conditions over the summer have depleted the soil moisture reserves. According to the Alberta crop report, as of July 13, only 33.4 per cent of all crops in the south region of the province are in good or excellent condition, as for a normal year, the percentage would be around 72.3.

Reeve, with the MD of Taber, Merrill Harris, says the declaration will allow the MD to access more funding and relief from both levels of government for farmers and ranchers. 

Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the Government of Canada increased AgriRecovery funding on Sunday. The $100 million in funding was initially announced on Aug. 6, however, the amount has jumped up to $500 million.