Drought relief measures are too little, too late say farmers

The province is offering up relief measures for farmers hit by drought, but some fear the help from the province is too little too late.

The province says it will offer tax deferrals, lower water pump fees, and new land for grazing to offset the dry summer that has reduced hay yields — and doubled hay prices.

But Morinville farmer Martin Skaret says this won't do much to help his 50 head of cattle.

"Its too late for this year, we're coming up to the first of September, and grass stops growing in September. It starts being cooler in the evenings and with shorter days the growth of the grass and hay slows down."

Mike Ammeter, Chairman of the Alberta Barley Commission, applauds the government for taking action on the drought but says it just can't replace a good crop.

"We're certainly prepared for a lower production year, which translates into a few less things that maybe the commission can do, but we've already looked at that and we're prepared to keep an eye on that. And, after harvest we'll have a better read on what the actual production was."

Aside from drought relief costs, the province expects the payout on drought insurance claims will add up to as much as $900 million.