After monitoring the condition of crops within Athabasca County and upon a recommendation from Athabasca County’s Agriculture Service Board (ASB), during the August 20, 2026, Regular Council meeting, County Council formally declared a State of Agricultural Disaster in response to excess precipitation and saturated field conditions that has affected the quantity of crops, quality of ground conditions, and pasture County-wide.
Athabasca County has on average received over 300mm of rainfall since May 1, 2026, with localized pockets getting much more. The large snow melt the County experienced this spring elevated the water table, maintaining saturated ground conditions well into the growing season. The wet ground conditions have made seeding and fieldwork difficult, has drowned out seeded crops, and stymied forage collection. While hay crops are excellent this year, frequent heavy rains and high relative humidity limit the window to process quality hay or even access hayfields. The accumulation of excess water has had detrimental effects to public and private infrastructure which has delayed farm functions such as shipping grain, moving cattle, and many farmyards have experienced flooding and damages that are yet to be repaired.
Several neighbouring municipalities have declared disasters as well, including Thorhild County and Westlock County.
Declarations of agricultural disasters do not automatically trigger access to increased funding programs, provincially or federally. However, declarations raise awareness to governments of the challenges local producers face, which could lead to some form of support and assistance.
“Excessive rainfall and saturated conditions have created an incredibly difficult growing season for producers across Athabasca County. By declaring a State of Agricultural Disaster, Council is formally recognizing the widespread impacts on crops, livestock operations and farm infrastructure. We stand with our agricultural community as producers continue to navigate these challenging conditions.”
-Tracy Holland, Athabasca County Reeve
Information will be regularly posted on the County’s website at www.athabascacounty.com to inform local producers about available agriculture recovery programs.
To stay informed, producers are encouraged to:
- View the most recent Alberta weather maps using the link; http://agriculture.alberta.ca/acis/climate-maps.jsp
- Contact AFSC or visit their website for current information on available assistance programs. www.afsc.ca
- To receive support and information for mental health concerns, contact the Alberta Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642
