Updated: Wed Jun. 17 2009 17:40:49

ctvcalgary.ca

The County of Camrose has declared a state of agricultural disaster because of the dry spring.

Alberta Agriculture adds that the region from Calgary to Edmonton, east of Highway 2, is also experiencing drought.

Farmers say their canola fields should normally be flowering by Stampede but they won't be anywhere close to that this year.

Canola farmer, Darrell Vermunt, says it's been too cold and too dry for too long. On his farm north of Gleichen, the seeds are not growing as fast as they should. "As late as it is, we would be pretty darn happy with 25 bushels out of it, and last year we were hitting the 50 bushel mark," says Vermunt.

Vermunt also raises cattle which means he's worried about growing enough feed for them in his pasture.

"Our pasture right now is looking more like the end of July pastures. They're burning off in the dry land and there's not going to be any dry land hay. If you don't have hay under irrigation, there's a pretty good chance you're going to be buying it this fall," says Vermunt.

Vermunt says he stands to lose up to $80,000 in his canola fields this year.