Farm Credit Canada supporting farmers impacted by drought conditions

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Farm Credit Canada (FCC) said it’s offering support to those in British Columbia facing financial impacts stemming from dry conditions affecting crop quality and grazing lands.

According to the BC Cattlemen’s Association, drought conditions in the province are causing issues mainly with cattle feed, which has ramifications for food security across the province.

Farmers in the Peace have also had to contend with wildfires destroying their fences and other farming infrastructure this year.

FCC said exceedingly hot and dry weather conditions are causing poor growing conditions in B.C. and other provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

It said the lack of moisture since June 2023 is an extension of several years of below-average precipitation, which FCC said is also causing drought-related pest infestations, another challenge for Canadian producers.

Due to these drought conditions, the organization said it’s expecting the quality and yield of crops to be significantly reduced, which could cause a cash shortfall for producers this fall and winter.

FCC said it will work with producers to find solutions for their operations, including considering deferred principal payments and other amendments to loan payment schedules to help ease the financial pressure producers are currently feeling.

“Agriculture and food is the only industry we serve, so we have a deep understanding of the challenges that come with the business,” said Sophie Perreault, executive vice president of FCC.

“We stand by our customers over the long term. As a Crown corporation, we have a unique responsibility to partner with our customers and ease their financial stress where possible,” Perreault continued.

To discuss how they’ve been impacted and what options are available to them, producers impacted by this year’s drought can contact their FCC relationship manager or call FCC’s customer service centre at 1-888-332-3301.

The BC Cattlemen’s Association is also working to establish multiple support programs with government agencies for ranchers impacted by wildfires and drought conditions in the province.

One of the first steps the association has taken is creating a survey — available on its website and Facebook page — to gain feedback from ranchers on what the situation is like for them regarding moisture, feed and plans.

The association is also working to find other available pastures for those who need them.

The Peace River Regional District announced in May that it would provide temporary electric fencing for those whose fences were lost or damaged due to wildfires.