PRESS RELEASE: Saddle Hills County Declares Agricultural Disaster

PRESS RELEASE

2025-07-25

Saddle Hills County Declares Agricultural Disaster

As of July 22, 2025, Saddle Hills County has declared an Agricultural Disaster due to the severe nature of the ongoing drought conditions occurring throughout our region.  

Precipitation and soil moisture reserves across the Peace Region during this growing season, continue to range from ‘low’ to ‘extremely low’ relative to long-term normal, with areas across the region receiving as little as 30% of their average precipitation. Current conditions are exacerbated by the successive drought conditions faced in the region over the past number of years and the dire lack of moisture is further confirmed by the provincial water shortage advisories currently in place for watersheds throughout the region. 

All local grain elevators report dry or very dry conditions and warn that the area needs more precipitation heading into grain fill or yields are likely to further decline. This season, the Peace Region is reporting a considerably lower percentage of good to excellent quality crops and a significant decrease in the amount of good to excellent quality pasture growth, compared to the rest of the province, as well as the 5 and 10 year averages. In order for crops to survive to harvest, the Peace Region will need ongoing, regular periods of rain. Unfortunately, throughout this growing season, the average daily mean temperature has been warmer than normal, with no changes forecast for the foreseeable future.

We join other municipalities in the region in our concern for producers, as low moisture levels have impacted germination, density, and growth rates throughout the season. Tame pasture is in poor condition, bringing significant concern for the livestock industry, specifically around feed availability through the fall and winter months. In addition to this, Saddle Hills County noted grasshoppers in the moderate to severe range, further stressing crops. 

Many of our producers face tough decisions on the future of their operations in the months ahead, and we are increasingly concerned for both their livelihoods and the mental health impacts they may face. We are not alone, either in the province or the region, in these concerns and we urge both the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada to recognize the seriousness of this situation, and employ a coordinated approach to support this vital industry and its producers. 

Saddle Hills County is committed to advocating for the well-being and prosperity of our agricultural industry and its producers. On behalf of our producers, Saddle Hills County has reached out to the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food to request that producers be eligible for any and all assistance and programs that may provide the necessary support required.

For any additional assistance or support, producers are encouraged to reach out to our Agricultural Services Department, at ag@saddlehills.ab.ca or (780) 864-3760.

ENDS

Media Inquiries:
Monica Rogers, Communications Coordinator 
mrogers@saddlehills.ab.ca