Drought recedes in southern Alberta, not the Peace River region

Precipitation in May brought drought relief to much of southern Alberta and the northeast. But some regions, like Peace River, have not experienced this scenario.

Nichole Neubauer has her farm near Medicine Hat, in southeastern Alberta. Like other farmers in the region, she was nervous about reliving the situation of last year, when the drought was extreme.

The spring was much rainier than expected, and Medicine Hat experienced the third wettest month of May in its history, % of normal precipitation”,”text”:”after receiving 291% of normal precipitation”}}”>after receiving 291% of normal precipitationdetails Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (ACC).

Much more optimistic

Nichole Neubauer explains that the precipitation came at the right time and greatly favored the growth of her crops.

It is certain that we are not yet out of the woods with droughts. In any case, this year we are much more optimistic than in previous years.

% of normal precipitation”,”text”:”The majority of Alberta received above normal precipitation in May, with the northeast, central and southern regions of the province recording over 115% of the normal precipitation”}}”>The majority of Alberta received above normal precipitation in May, with the northeast, central and southern regions of the province recording over 115% of normal precipitationdescribe ACC.

This is probably one of the best scenarios we could hope forwelcomes Trevor Hadwenspecialist in agroclimatics.

As of May 31, drought conditions have been lowered by two to three levels in most major agricultural regions of Alberta. It is very rare to see such a change in just a month, notes Trevor Hadwen.

However, he said, water supply to southern irrigation districts remains a concern this summer. And long-term soil moisture deficits, caused by several years of worsening drought, cannot be resolved with a single month of rain.

Stephen Vandervalk, vice-president of the Canadian Wheat Growers Association for Alberta, agrees. He explains that even in the south of the province, farmers are worried. We are far from being out of the woodshe warns.

While the south and northeast of the province were able to benefit from significant precipitation in May, this is not the case for northwest Alberta.

Peace River has been facing increasing precipitation deficits, wildfire issues, and low stream flows”,”text”:”The Peace River region has been experiencing precipitation deficits growing, problems with forest fires and low river flows”}}”>The region of Peace River has faced increasing precipitation deficits, wildfire problems and low river flowscan we read on the website ofACC.

This is where the worst drought conditions in the province are concentrated. Areas are affected by extreme, even exceptional drought.

Gary Thesea cattle rancher whose operation is located just north of the town of Peace Riverexplains that this can be seen in his pastures.

We should have grass mid-calf length, and in most places it only reaches ankle length.

Difficult for everyone

Gary These says he has already sold most of the yearlings from his herd of about 200 cattle. He explains that he would have had difficulty producing enough food to feed his animals.

There has been almost no snow in the region this winter, so there is nothing to feed runoff in the spring, says the farmer, who notes that river levels are remarkably low.

If there is no water coming down the river to fill the reservoirs, it will be difficult for everyone, not just farmers.

With information from Madeline Smith