Farming in dry conditions

To assist with decision-making during dry conditions, information and links are available through this page, or by contacting the Ag-Info Centre

• Agriculture Drought and Excess Moisture Risk Management Plan for Alberta
• Drought Proofing Farm Water Supplies

For more information about crop insurance or to make an insurance claim, visit the AFSC website.

• AFSC 2023 crop insurance activity

• Alberta Health Services – Mental Health Resources
• Alberta chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association
• Farm Mental Health Network
• The Do More Agricultural Foundation

Budgeting information and tools, economics and financial analysis, decision aids, market analysis and outlook, and business management strategies.

• AgriProfit$ program

• Alberta Irrigation Management Manual (PDF, 1.2 MB)
• Alberta Irrigation Management Model (AIMM)
• Average Daily and Annual Water Requirements
• Drought support: Temporary livestock water assistance
• Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• Farm Water Supply Requirements
• IRRI-Cast: Crop Water Use Report
• Pasture Pipeline Design Fact Sheet
• Quality Farm Dugouts
• Remote Pasture Water Systems for Livestock
• Rural Water Quality Information Tool
• Spring Development
• Water Act: Water Diversion for Agricultural Uses During Low Flow Conditions
• Water Pumping Program
• Water wells ... that last: A guide for private well owners in Alberta

Maintaining livestock productivity and health, livestock production options/alternatives, feed and fodder alternatives, and forage and grazing alternatives.

• Drought Management Strategies
• Range management during a drought
• Management Strategies for Cattle during Dry Conditions
• Provisions for confined feeding of cow-calf herds during dry conditions

Managing pastures, forages and hay lands to enhance plant health to withstand water stress and help to minimize the herbage reductions.

• Beefresearch.ca
• Support in drought conditions in Alberta
• Improving Pasture Productivity
• Match Forage Supplies to Livestock Needs Calculator
• Alberta Forage Industry Network
• Farming the Web online marketplace

Maintaining crop productivity and growth and crop production options and alternatives.

• Annual Crops for Silage
• Nitrogen management strategies in dry conditions
• Utilizing Annual Cereals for Livestock Feed

AFSC's Yield Estimation Calculator for Annual Crops help clients estimate yields prior to harvest.

• Download calculator (XLS, 66 KB)

Contracts sometimes have an “acts of God” or “force majeure” clause. These types of clauses are generally used to excuse one or more parties from fulfilling some of their contractual obligations when something happens that is out of the parties’ control. The clauses usually list the types of triggering events. Examples include war, fire, disease, civil unrest and extreme weather. Every contract is different, so parties should read their contracts carefully, and seek legal advice if there’s a question about what is covered by the clause or what its effects are.

You can reach the Farmers’ Advocate Office by calling the Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276).

Programs and services available to producers to help manage through periods of business stress.

• Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• Forms, Resources and Guides from AFSC
• AFSC's lending program

Wildfires are a hazard that can spring up quickly and cause damage to your farm or acreage. Minimize the risk and reduce potential damage for your family, property and animals. Report wildfires at 310-FIRE (3473).

• Alberta Wildfire:
  • Download the Alberta Wildfire Status App for: iPhone or Android
  • Fire bans
• Alberta Emergency Alerts (download the App)