The RM of St. Laurent has declared at state of agricultural emergency as drought conditions continue to take a toll on farmers across the Interlake.
Reeve Richard Chartrand says the declaration comes after hearing concerns from producers and the head of the local Cattlemen’s Association.
“It was something that was brought to our attention by some farmers,” says Chartrand. “Basically, they're saying, with the amount of dry weather that we had, the yield grass for feeding our livestock was really depleting and our dugouts were getting empty.”
Council passed the resolution at a meeting on July 16, and it has since been forwarded to MP James Bezan and Interlake MLA Derek Johnson in hopes of opening the door to both provincial and federal support.
Feed supplies falling short
Chartrand explains the lack of rainfall has made a big impact on forage growth.
“The grass that they should be harvesting right now is not as tall as it should be,” he notes. “Usually by now they're able to get their first cut earlier on in the summer, and then if the weather and rain assists us, then they can go on with the second cut. But that's not happening.”
He adds that where producers would normally see hay standing over three feet tall, the fields are struggling to reach 18 inches.
“That impacts on what the farmers can do to bale,” he says.
The drought is also drying up dugouts, and threatening water supply for livestock.
“Farmers, they depend on their dugouts to resupply the water so that the cattle can drink,” Chartrand remarks. “If it [the rain] only lasts for today, the ground will just soak it all up and we need more.”
Other municipalities also affected
Chartrand says crop and pasture conditions are just as poor in neighbouring communities. The RM of Coldwell declared a state of agricultural disaster on July 18. The RMs of Grahamdale and Armstrong are also considering doing the same.
“We do communicate very well with our neighbouring municipalities,” continues Chartrand. “It’s not just a local issue for the RM of St. Laurent, but it’s pretty well widespread in the Interlake.”
Push for government help
Chartrand says the next step is getting officials to the table and getting answers.
“It’s something that we’re more than willing, as a group of municipalities that are being affected, for us to perhaps have a meeting where we can all sit down and get answers from the province or from the federal government,” he mentions.
He adds the cost of hay is already rising, with prices climbing despite lower quality.
“Let’s just hope that our governments can step up and assist us,” concludes Chartrand.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com.
PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.