Lac Ste. Anne County Declares Agricultural Disaster Amid Excessive Moisture Concerns

Lac Ste. Anne County Council has declared a Municipal Agricultural Disaster, citing the significant impacts of excessive moisture and prolonged wet conditions throughout the 2026 growing season.

In a letter to Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Tara Sawyer, Council said persistent rainfall, saturated soils and limited opportunities for field access have created serious challenges for producers across the municipality. While conditions vary throughout the County, many farmers are reporting standing water, drowned-out acres, delayed crop development, increased disease pressure, and reduced yield and quality potential.

Of particular concern is the impact on hay and forage production. Although moisture has contributed to strong forage growth in some areas, continued rainfall and limited drying periods have prevented many producers from cutting and baling hay at the appropriate time. As a result, forage quality has declined in some areas, raising concerns about winter livestock feed supplies.

"Agriculture is always weather-dependent, but the prolonged wet conditions we've experienced this season have created challenges well beyond the norm," said County Reeve Jurgen Preugschas. "Across the County we're seeing drowned-out acres, delayed crop development, and forage quality issues that could have lasting impacts on producers and livestock operations."

Council noted that regional pasture and hay growth statistics do not necessarily reflect producers' ability to access fields or harvest quality feed. For livestock operations, the availability of standing forage is not a substitute for properly harvested and stored winter feed.

Crop production has also been affected, as excessive soil moisture continues to delay crop development and normal field operations.

While acknowledging that weather-related challenges are a reality of farming and that existing provincial programs help address production risk, Council emphasized that the declaration is intended to raise awareness of the severity of local conditions and ensure Lac Ste. Anne County producers are considered as the Province evaluates the impacts of the 2026 growing season.

The County is requesting that Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation continue assessing conditions within the County and across the Northwest Region and consider all available support options for affected producers. Council has also expressed interest in discussing potential gaps in existing programs, particularly where losses relate to crop quality, forage quality and winter feed availability.

Council will continue work with provincial and industry partners to advocate for producers facing what they describe as an extraordinary agricultural challenge.