Sask. RM of Big Stick declares state of emergency due to extreme drought

WATCH: The RM of Big Stick in southwest Sask. has asked for government assistance to help farmers during a tough time. Mick Favel reports.

Due to extreme drought, the Saskatchewan rural municipality of Big Stick has declared a state of emergency.

This is the ninth year in a row the area has been dealing with drought-like conditions.

Reeve of the RM Quinton Jacksteit explained that several areas saw a half inch or less moisture.

“Over that period of time, our crops have rapidly deteriorated. We have crops being written off in the middle of June,” he said.

Garner Deobald, the former president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, said farming has always had its unique challenges in the area, but this past year has been extremely tough.

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“We always say, even in good years we’re a week away from a drought if conditions turn,” he said.

“It seems to be cyclical and when you’re stuck in this weather pattern here, it puts everybody in a tough situation,” he added.

Jacksteit said the RM is a unique area of the province for farm production.

He said the RM hopes to be heard by the provincial and federal government on strategies to help keep their farms going through this year and into the future.

“Our insurance programs and everything simply aren’t designed for this type of situation, and they are no longer meeting the needs of our producers,” he said.

He concluded there are multigenerational farms in the area which are going to have to make difficult decisions going forward.

The crop report for June 10-16 said rain is needed across the province to help push crop development before deterioration begins.

The RM of Big Stick is located about 32 kilometres north of Maple Creek.