CBC News - Many Alberta farmers found relief after staring down drought. But the story doesn't end there
“I wouldn’t say that all our problems are cured. But compared to what we were concerned about, it’s actually turned out to be, I would say, an actual adequate or decent year … it really did reverse our fortune,”
Departure from average precipitation in Alberta over the past four years. (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
This article from CBC News highlights the challenges faced by Alberta farmers as they grapple with drought and fluctuating water supplies. Earlier this year, North Paddock Farms, part of the St. Mary River Irrigation District, faced a 50% cut in water allocations after a dry winter reduced snowpack and reservoir storage. However, the situation shifted dramatically when heavy rains arrived in May, easing irrigation concerns and improving crop conditions.
Despite the short-term relief, drought remains a persistent issue across the province. While southern Alberta saw recovery in water levels and soil moisture, areas northwest of Calgary to Edmonton continue to struggle with dry conditions. Experts like Trevor Hadwen from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada caution that long-term deficits in the region's water supply make Alberta vulnerable to future droughts, as large parts of the province have seen more than 300mm in rainfall deficits over the past four years.
The long-term challenges of managing Alberta’s water resources are particularly pressing in light of growing agricultural demands and population increases. Hydrologic modeling expert Tricia Stadnyk from the University of Calgary points out that southern Alberta’s water supply could face significant strain in the future, with the province's commitment to expanding irrigation-based agriculture adding further pressure.
As Alberta continues to navigate these water challenges, projects like the Canada1Water (C1W) initiative play a critical role. By providing valuable data on the effects of climate change on water resources, C1W offers decision-makers vital insights to develop sustainable management strategies, ensuring that Alberta’s agricultural sector and communities can thrive in the face of a dynamic and evolving climate.
Click here to read the article at CBC News
“Water supplies were extremely low. We were really concerned with the soil moisture as we were coming off of a number of years of drought,”