BC Cattlemen’s Association raises the alarm over drought

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Kamloops, B.C. (Rural Roots Canada) – Drought is once again becoming a growing concern in British Columbia, and cattle producers are already starting to ring the alarm bells.

In a statement, the BC Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) says low snowpack, dry conditions and ongoing water shortages are putting pressure on ranchers heading into the summer grazing season.

It’s urging the province to preserve critical water-storage infrastructure and calling for a halt to any plans to remove or decommission it.

“Agriculture currently manages over 70% of the infrastructure storing water in the province, and we encourage all levels of government, conservation groups, and First Nations to join us in assuming responsibility for all dams and storage structures to ensure they remain functional and continue supporting long-term watershed resilience,” it says.

The BCCA states that, except for the Peace Region, all areas of the province are experiencing moderate to severe dry conditions that have stunted pasture growth, adding that producers are already keeping a close eye on feed supplies and preparing for the possibility of reduced pasture growth and water availability.

Provincial forecasts also warn that parts of B.C could see worsening drought conditions later this spring and summer due to warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation.

“It is important that water use for food production and fish protection is prioritized,” reads the statement. “We encourage all water users, including First Nations, local government, and agriculture, to voluntarily reduce whenever possible to lower the impact of the impending drought.”

While still hopeful for rain, the BCCA says that without it, ranchers will have to consider selling cattle or digging into their feed stocks earlier. During prior droughts, it says, individual ranchers in some of the hardest-hit areas had to sell off as much as 40% of their herds due to lack of pasture and feed shortages.

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