81% of Canada’s farmland experiencing drought cycle

Currently, 81% of agricultural land in Canada is classified as either abnormally dry or experiencing moderate-to-severe drought conditions

According to mapping and analysis done as of December 31, 2023 by the Canadian Government, 81% of agricultural land in Canada is classified as either abnormally dry or experiencing moderate-to-severe drought conditions. 

A build up over the past few years, this drought cycle is in part due to lack of rainfall, and the erosion of top soil from strong winds called, aerial erosion. Once this nutrient rich top soil layer is blown away, it takes a considerable amount of time to replace and bring back up to grade, even with today’s modern agricultural practices.

A severe case of erosion is spreading across farmlands in Canada, reminiscent of severe drought conditions that took place in the 1930’s across much of North America’s agricultural land, a period known as the, “Dirty ’30s.”

Winters are getting warmer and dryer, meaning less moisture build up in the ground and water sources like rivers, streams, and lakes. Mountain range snow caps are thinner and upon warming weather in the summer, release less water into those lakes, rivers and ground water below.

Milder winters and hotter summers are becoming the new norm, as more frequent extreme weather patterns form globally.  

Source: Newsroom