EDMONTON – Another couple of counties in Alberta have declared a state of agriculture disaster due to heat and drought.
Councils in Wetaskiwin and Lamont counties voted Wednesday to make the designation.
Hay producers in the Wetaskiwin area are getting less of a hay crop and it has led to a shortage throughout the county and the province.
The county has also noticed a bigger than usual grasshopper population and producers are considering selling off livestock because they aren’t making enough money.
In Lamont, the county says dry conditions have resulted in a shortage of pasture land and a high cost of feed that is having a significant impact on the livestock industry.
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.
Several other counties have already declared states of agricultural disaster and are seeking government help for ruined crops.
Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier is scheduled to give an update Thursday on growing conditions in the province as well as government programs to assist producers.