SPECIAL UPDATE

Drought and Wildfire Preparedness

This special update is meant to provide drought and wildfire preparedness information only.

General emergency response information, such as wildfire or floods, is provided through Emergency Management BC.

In this edition:

• B.C. drought information portal
• B.C. Crop and Livestock Reporter Program
• Prepare for and respond to drought
• Programs
• Business risk management programs
• Wildfire preparedness resources

Visit the B.C. Drought Information Portal for current drought levels across the province.

View the latest provincial Drought Monitoring Summary (July 10) for an overview of local conditions, impacts and risks. 

• In 2025, the Province updated how it measures drought. In previous years, drought levels were set using a mix of information (e.g., rainfall, weather and streamflow data, observed impacts, evaluation of risk(s), and weather forecasts)

• While the Province is still using the same six-level rating scale, drought levels are now set based only on objective data that measure physical conditions - things like rainfall and streamflow - compared to historical records.

• As a result, drought levels now provide a more consistent measure of drought conditions - how dry it is compared to historical norms - rather than how serious the impacts are. They no longer reflect observed impacts or the need for management action – these will be monitored separately. 

• Separating drought conditions from water scarcity impacts enables focused regional efforts to identify local impacts and risk(s) to inform where local management actions are needed. 

• It’s important to recognize that drought levels in your area may look different than in past years, even if conditions are similar! 

What are the current drought levels across the province?

Where can I find more information about drought and drought levels?

For more information on B.C.’s drought levels, corresponding impacts and general response actions, see the BC Drought Information webpage.

We need your input to understand agricultural drought impacts! 

Farmers, agrologists, and others working on the ground play a key role in identifying and reporting drought-related impacts. 

Are you a weather-watcher who checks the rain gauge each morning? Do you enjoy discussing farming and crop conditions with your neighbours? Would you like to contribute local information that helps develop and support B.C.’s agriculture data? The data benefits all those involved in B.C.’s agriculture industry and helps the general public to understand the challenges facing our producers. 

Become a Volunteer Crop and/or Livestock Reporter today! 

Contest Alert! Crop reporters that report weekly for at least 50% of the growing season will be entered into a draw to win a basket of delicious B.C. food products valued at approximately $150!

Prepare for, and respond to drought 

What can agricultural water users do to prepare for, and respond to drought conditions?

Refer to our 2025 Quick Guide to Drought Resources or Drought in Agriculture webpage for a full list of ministry resources aimed to help producers prepare for, and adapt to drought conditions.

Key drought-related resources:

• Key Drought Management Tips
• Forage Crops and Irrigation Management in Drought Conditions
• Irrigation Decisions with Limited Water
• B.C. Livestock Watering Handbook
• Farm Water Fix video series

Key online tools:

• B.C. AgriWeather and Evapotranspiration Calculator collects data from over 230 weather stations in B.C., from provincial, federal, municipal, and private agricultural networks.
• Agricultural Irrigation Scheduling Calculator uses near real-time weather data and five-day forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada to recommend irrigation schedules tailored to a specific farm.
• B.C. Irrigation Water Use Calculator can be used to track actual irrigation water use without the need to purchase a flow measuring device. 
• B.C. Agriculture Water Calculator helps agriculture water users in B.C. estimate their annual irrigation or livestock water demand on their farm. 

Mental health supports:

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please contact 911 (emergency support) or 988 (mental health crisis support – 24/7) immediately.
• For those struggling with the mental health impacts of drought, help is available. 
  Ag Safe has partnered with mental wellness practitioners to provide FREE counselling services to members of BC Agriculture.
• The Do More Agriculture Foundation offers AgTalk, a peer-to-peer support platform, moderated 24/7.

Question and answer resources and additional information:

• For questions about supports for agriculture (e.g., project funding, financial assistance, drought resilience information), workshops and training activities, contact AgriService BC at AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca or 1-888-221-7141.

• For information on water concerns in your area, or provincial drought response measures (e.g., letters requesting voluntary water use reductions and water-related orders), contact DroughtOps@gov.bc.ca.

Water Quality Testing Pilot Project

The BC Cattlemen’s Association and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food have partnered on a project to help livestock owners test their water for free. This project checks for unhealthy levels of dissolved solids in the water. Special testing for blue-green algae and bacteria are also available.

For full details including how to submit a sample and screening locations, please visit the BC Cattlemen's Association website or contact water@cattlemen.bc.ca.

Access to Feed Program

The Access to Feed Program links B.C. producers experiencing drought and feed shortages with suppliers who have feed available. This program is available to all livestock producers.

To access available feed or pasture, please contact Greg Tegart at 250-306-6277 or email hay@cattlemen.bc.ca. 

If you have feed available for this program, please contact hay@cattlemen.bc.ca

Information on the BC Cattlemen's Association's programs web page will be updated soon. Please check back frequently for updates.

Prepare your agriculture operation for wildfire

Fire is a common threat for agricultural operations in British Columbia. Learn more about how to be prepared for wildfires if you work in B.C.’s agricultural industry.

Improve your operation’s resilience to wildfires

• Reduce the impacts of wildfire on your agriculture business by completing a Farm & Ranch FireSmart Assessment.
• Check to see if your industry or association has developed an emergency guide.

Develop an evacuation plan for farmworkers on-site and ensure your staff are familiar with the plan

• Prepare an evacuation checklist and notification plan for yourself and your workers.

Understand the health and safety risks from wildfires, including mental wellness

• WorkSafeBC health and safety resources for wildfire season
• Agsafe’s safety when working in smoky conditions
• AgSafe's mental wellness resources

Wildfire forecasting and tracking

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS)  leads wildfire management in B.C. Get information on current wildfire activity in B.C.

Follow our Facebook page for weekly posts with drought resources and tools

https://www.facebook.com/AgriService-BC-103287979487810