Farmers and ranchers are being supported with a new round of funding to help strengthen their resilience to wildfires, flooding and extreme heat, and mitigate future climate impacts.
In the summer of 2021, the unprecedented heat dome event put many agricultural operations to the test, highlighting the need for robust climate resilience measures. For Steve Olson, Manager at Legacy Farms Ltd., this experience became a catalyst for change. "After experiencing the 'heat dome' event in 2021 and being fortunate to not suffer total mortality in the barn due to heat stress, we knew we needed to upgrade our misting system to a tunnel ventilation system," Steve shared.
Recognizing the urgent need for an upgrade and the critical role it would play in safeguarding their operations, Legacy Farms Ltd. applied for funding through the Extreme Weather Preparedness for Agriculture (EWP) Program. With $2 million available for 2024/25 to help producers combat extreme weather events, the initiative provided the essential financial support they needed.
"The IAF funding gave us the monetary incentive to make it happen, and it was a complete success," Steve noted. The improvements made to their barn's ventilation system transformed their ability to manage internal temperatures. During the heat dome, the maximum temperature recorded inside the barn reached a staggering 100 degrees Fahrenheit, even with a misting system running continuously.
However, with the newly implemented tunnel ventilation system, they saw remarkable results when the heat returned the following summer. "During the hottest days of this summer, the temperature inside the barn never exceeded 82 degrees Fahrenheit with the tunnel ventilation operating," Steve remarked.
This upgrade drastically improved the living conditions for their livestock and ensured the sustainability of their farming operation. "This has been a game changer for our operation, and we couldn't be more grateful for the assistance we've received with this funding," he expressed.
With the support of the EWP program, Legacy Farms Ltd. not only strengthened its capacity to face extreme weather but also set an example for other producers seeking to enhance their resilience against ongoing climate challenges.
Funding for this program has been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector.
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Wollen Sons Ranch Ltd
