Southern Alberta farmers look to adapt in face of more drought [Video]

LETHBRIDGE –

Years of drought have left southern Alberta farmers frustrated.

With a lack of snow this winter – particularly in the mountains – most are once again bracing for a tough growing season.

“It’s looking to be a tricky year, for sure,” said Sean Stanford, a farmer from Magrath, Alta.

“I know on my irrigated land, they’re already talking about cutting back the amount of water we can put down through our pivots and wheel moves. … So it’s going to be trickier on the irrigated land, for sure.”

Producers are looking at less water-intensive crops such as lentils, peas, wheat and flax.

Some are trying crops they’ve never grown before.

“Just looking at how the drought maps look and the way they’re talking about lack of moisture this year, I’m going to try to put some mustard on some dry land and see how that works out for me,” Stanford said.

Corn is one crop that’s fairly drought-resistant.

While it still needs plenty of water, it does …