Severe drought conditions across the region have severely impacted cereal and oilseed crops and livestock feed.

MD Council has declared a Local State of Agricultural Disaster in response to prolonged drought conditions that have resulted in significant reductions to crop yields and quality and scarce sources of livestock feed throughout the region.

Producers require seasonal rainfall to keep crops, pastures and hay land healthy. However, the 2025 growing season was hindered by a prolonged lack of precipitation throughout the spring and summer months. The resultant drought has led to widespread grasshopper infestations, which have consumed much of the remaining pasturage.

In addition, field crops have not received the moisture necessary during critical growth stages, further limiting feed grain availability. It is also important to note that most area producers operate in the southern portion of the municipality, where drought conditions are most pronounced.

Due to drought conditions, there is little to no hay, silage, green feed or pasture for the cow/calf sector. Remaining feed supplies grow increasingly scarce and costly, forcing many producers to consider herd dispersals during what is typically considered the height of grazing season. These are especially difficult decisions for smaller farms that already operate with limited herd numbers. 

The MD joins a growing list of rural municipalities across Western Canada in declaring a State of Agricultural Disaster to heighten public awareness of the critical conditions of fields, pastures, and livestock feed; and to lobby different levels of government for tax incentives, payment deferrals, and related supports.

One of the key supports eyed by Council is the Livestock Tax Deferral provision. Under this federal program, producers who are forced to sell a portion of their breeding herd due to specific weather-related events can defer a portion of the income from those sales to the next tax year. The provision is activated when a region is designated as a "prescribed area" due to events like drought, excess moisture, or flooding that cause a shortage of forage. 

Further updates on this evolving matter, including information and resources for managing farming operations during the Local State of Agricultural Disaster, will be shared via the MD website and social media channels.