Prices are soaring and production has been down, how will farmers keep up with a high demand for products? 

A year-over-year report done by Statistics Canada shows Western Canada and Alberta’s estimated production of grains has been down. 

In an outlook for this year's coming production of crops, Stats Canada reported drought as the number one cause for a significant decrease in yield and production in Western Canada.  

It also reports that prices are expected to stay strong with support from tight Canadian supplies, more comfortable but still relatively tight global grain supplies, and expectations for a continuation of firm international demand. 

But not only is the province's dry climate urging concern for Alberta’s agriculture sector. Now, what seems to be normal in Alberta, is an influx of grassfires. 

One thing that has become worrisome is the start of Alberta’s wildfire season. There is a visible demand for supplies by fire crews, as it has become almost inevitable for grass fires in the Alberta region. 

Randy Smith, Fire Chief and Director of emergency management for Rocky View County, talks about how crews know when to be at high alert for potential fire risk. 

“Once you start to see the brown grass, it's about three days, and then that grass is dry. That's when we get into our peak grassfire season. The ground might be wet, but the grass on top is what burns quite rapidly.” 

Statistics Canada’s outlook for the average yield and production for all crops is forecast to increase significantly compared to the drought year of 2021-2022. Based on a return to trend, or just below trend, yields resulting in expected total field crop production and supply rebounding to more normal levels. 

Smith talks about Alberta’s forecast for this upcoming spring and summer season. 

“The mid- province, and to the north, forecasts normal to maybe a little bit more than normal moisture coming into this year.” 

He recalls last year being one of the driest years he has seen thus far. In the western parts of the region, there was an average decrease of about 30% to 40% of crop production in 2021. 

Smith urges the concern experts have with a ‘hit or miss’ season approaching. 

“Due to areas being built up more and more, the opportunity when there is a wildfire, and chances of it impacting a populated area, increases as those areas or the population's increase.” 

Because of such cautions, Smith says there is a buildup of fine fuels that inevitably will one day burn and cause a major fire. 

“The good news is that through programs like Fire Smart those living in these high-impact areas are looking at their properties and taking steps to protect their home. That's critical as we go forward.” 

Farmers must be at high alert, especially during harvest season. Smith says that Alberta has seen a drastic decrease in moisture throughout the previous years and this year is no exception for staying on top of safety. 

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) says that Alberta’s October Surface Soil Moisture had depleted and was rated at 35.6% Poor, 34.7% Fair, 26.8% Good, and 3.0% Excellent. 

Smith suggests checking out the Fire Smart website for more information on how to keep your home and the surrounding area safe. 

The next Agriculture and Ari-Food Canada (AAFC) Outlook for Principal Field Crops is scheduled to be released on March 18, 2022.  

Statistics Canada will conduct its 2022 Field Crop Area Survey in March, which will collect information from farmers on their crop planting intentions for principal field crops and is scheduled to be published in April. Statistics Canada will release data on Stocks of Principal Field crops in May. 

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