Foothills County

Declaration of Municipal Agricultural Disaster

June 28, 2023

Report by Manager of Agricultural Services Caleb Scott

 2023 Drought Conditions
Unseasonably hot and dry conditions through May and the beginning
of June have led to poor conditions in nearly all annual and perennial
crops and pastures.
Tame forage stands have been severely affected with many producers
feeding through May and already turning livestock into hay stands.
Annual crops are varied across the County with some areas fairing
better due to high snowpack and later seeding dates. Most cereal crops
have begun to head out with few tillers and low kernel counts.
Most canola is still in the early bolting stage and can still be helped by
mid-season moisture and modest temperatures though the flowering
and podding stages.
 Weather Conditions
Some areas of Foothills County received little winter moisture and had a low snow-pack coming
into spring. There was a modest amount of precipitation in early May followed by 32 days of no
significant moisture. Rains during the second week of June brought 30mm-50mm across the
County, however all areas are still in a 35% to 55% moisture deficit compared to the long-term
average.
• Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Drought Monitor
 Perennial Pasture and Hay Crops

Greater than 50% of

crop rated “Poor”
Crop conditions
Perennial forage stands have been severely impacted by early season
drought and above average temperatures through May.
Many producers had to keep livestock on feed through May and some
are already turning animals into hay stands due to lack of suitable
pasture.
Grass and legume plants were already starting flower before the
modest precipitation in mid-June and will not be able to recover.
Hay field near Priddis, June 12, 2023
Un-grazed pasture near Hartell, June 12, 2023
Pasture south of Okotoks
June 16, 2023
Pasture east of High River, June 19, 2023
Pasture near Millarville, June 26, 2023
Hay field east of Blackie, June 27, 2023
Native pasture east of Blackie, June 27, 2023
Hay field east of Blackie, June 27, 2023
Recently cut hay south of High River, June 27, 2023
 Annual Cereals, Oilseeds, Pulse Crops

Greater than 50% of

crops rated “Poor
Condition”
 Crop Conditions
As of June 27, 2023 all annual crops in Foothills County are being impacted
by the ongoing drought conditions.
Areas to the north-west and north-east of Okotoks have faired better due to
increased snowpack, later seeding dates and moderately increased
precipitation through the tillering and booting stages.
Areas south of High River have been the hardest impacted with some fields
in the flowering stage lacking any tillers and already beginning to desiccate.
Wheat crop SW of High River, June 19, 2023
Late seeded cereal field North of Black Diamond, June 26, 2023
Wheat field North of Blackie, June 27, 2023
Canola Crop East of Cayley, June 27, 2023
Wheat field south of High River, June 27, 2023
Canola field south of Blackie, June 27, 2023
Pea Crop NE of Okotoks June 27, 2023
Pea crop SE of High River, June 27, 2023
Barley Crop NE of Blackie, June 27, 2023
Wheat crop East of Okotoks, June 27, 2023