| | Near normal conditions | Exceptional/Notable conditions | Extreme conditions
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Taking the strategies of Drought Preparedness, Drought Monitoring and Reporting, and Drought Response as described in the Agriculture Drought Risk Management Plan, the Drought Action Plan describes how these strategies can be applied on a scenario basis described by the three levels:
Normal or Near Normal Conditions
Exceptional / Notable Conditions
Extreme Conditions.
These three levels are determined by the current levels of soil moisture and recent precipitation and temperature trends.
There is no single map, nor any simple and consistent way (using maps alone) to determine Normal or Near Normal Conditions, Exceptional / Notable Conditions, and Extreme Conditions. In fact, the suite of maps, that we use to determine the current “conditions” with respect to drought varies with time of year and the type of water shortage (acute or chronic) for crop, livestock, farm water supplies, etc.
From a scientific perspective, the maps help describe how the current conditions developed, and the severity and extent of the “condition”. The final assessment of the “Condition” is ultimately a decision driven by many different factors including maps, social, economic and political considerations.
When each of the levels of drought is identified through monitoring, the Drought Action Plan identifies the possible actions of the DAG and partner agencies.
Actions During Normal or Near Normal Conditions
The province is experiencing normal or near normal precipitation, weather patterns and hydrologic conditions.
| Described by: | Frequency of condition occurrence |
| moderately low | drier than this, on average, less than once in 3 years |
| near normal | on average, this occurs 1 in 3 years |
| moderately high | wetter than this, on average, less than once in 3 years |
Reporting frequency is monthly, with weekly maps available through AgroClimatic Information Service (ACIS).
| Preparedness Actions | Monitoring/Reporting Actions | Response Actions |
Producers have access to technical expertise and financial assistance to assist with switching from drought-prone water supplies to more secure water supplies.
Partners (including Government of Alberta, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, AAMD&C and industry representatives) provide access to up-to-date information for producers in the agriculture sector on the actions needed to prepare to deal with the variability in soil moisture on an on-going basis.
Producers have tools to evaluate water supplies and water use needs.
Producers are encouraged to participate in risk management/insurance programs offered by AFSC.
Partners do an independent evaluation of activities during the previous drought and recommendation changes to improve the ADRMP. | Partners monitor and assess drought-related provincial weather data.
Partners provide reports to stakeholders about current conditions.
Maps describing Alberta's weather, climate and related agriculture features can be accessed with AgroClimatic Information Service (ACIS).
Drought reports for the agricultural region of Alberta posted on Ropin’ the Web, with highlights of the drought report and maps sent to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and his rural caucus colleagues. | Partners work on policy issues as required. |
Actions During Exceptional or Notable Conditions
The province or a portion of the province is operating under the potential for drought conditions, with lower than normal precipitation and soil moisture levels.
| Described by: | Frequency of condition occurrence |
| low | drier than this, on average, less than once in 6-years |
| very low | drier than this, on average, less than once in 12-years |
| high | wetter than this, on average, less than once in 6-years |
| very high | wetter than this, on average, less than once in 12-years |
Reporting frequency is monthly, with weekly maps available through AgroClimatic Information Service (ACIS).
| Preparedness Actions | Monitoring/Reporting Actions | Response Actions |
Partners will advise the Ministers of the partner agencies of the critical soil moisture conditions, and provide reports on preparedness, policies and currently available programs through the report to Ministers of partner agencies.
Partners provide preparedness material specific to affected areas (geographic, soil, and climate zones), through a variety of media.
ARD will prepare communications for producers, affected municipalities and other stakeholders on the soil moisture conditions.
Partners, with municipal input, will identify possible actions suited to the needs of the affected areas.
Producers can access information through the internet at Ropin’ the Web, by calling the Ag-Info Centre, listening to Call of the Land, and through other media.
Producers have access to the ARD Water Pumping Program to top-up dwindling dugouts. | Increased monitoring and reporting described for normal conditions.
Partners monitor and assess drought-related weather data from across the province, but with increased focus on the areas facing low moisture conditions.
Partners provide reports to the Ministers of the partner agencies and other stakeholders about current conditions biweekly from May 1 to August 31 and monthly from September 1 to April 30.
Drought reports for the agricultural region of Alberta posted on Ropin’ the Web, with highlights of the drought report and maps sent to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and his rural caucus colleagues. | Partners work with municipal representatives to identify appropriate options for action in the affected areas.
Information flow is through, but not limited to, media and internet. |
Actions During Extreme Conditions
The province or a portion of the province is suffering drought; according to the indices. Severe soil moisture shortages and precipitation deficits exist. Preparedness Actions no longer apply, and Reporting and Response Actions are required.
| Described by: | Frequency of condition occurrence |
| Extremely low | drier than this, on average, less than once in 25-years |
| Extremely high | wetter than this, on average, less than once in 25-years |
Reporting frequency is monthly, with weekly maps available through AgroClimatic Information Service (ACIS).
| Monitoring/Reporting Actions | Response Actions |
Partners monitor and assess drought-related weather data from across the province, adding impact analysis for drought-affected areas and information from field reports.
Drought reports for the agricultural region of Alberta posted on Ropin’ the Web.
Highlights of the drought report and maps are sent to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and rural caucus colleagues.
Partners provide additional updates to the MLAs, Ministers of the partner agencies and other stakeholders about current conditions monthly, with weekly maps available through ACIS.
Partners prepare communications for producers, affected municipalities and others on the drought situation and drought-related activities.
Partners recommend possible drought response options to the appropriate Minister.
Communicate/share current conditions and possible options to the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties, and to other affected provinces. | ARD prepares AgriNews submissions and Call of the Land radio spots to inform the agricultural community of decision-making options during the situation.
Provide timely information on risk management programs at extension meetings.
Attend industry led meetings to provide risk management information.
Livestock owners can access a hay listing on Ropin the Web for some available feed sources.
Municipalities and partner agencies assess available feed and water supplies and make information available to affected producers.
Producers have access to information and programs that will help to reduce the impact of extreme conditions.
Continue to offer ARD’s water pumping program.
AFSC’s claim processes are reviewed and adjusted during drought conditions to provide timely responses to producers without unduly increasing program risk.
Provide timely precipitation and soil moisture, as well as anecdotal, information as recommendations to AAFC for municipal designation for the federal tax deferral benefit.
Work with partners to explore options such as:
access to public pasture
access to Ducks Unlimited acreage
roadside grazing/haying opportunities.
Drought related information to include Mental Health Line at 1-877-303-2642. |
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