Northern B.C. has been experiencing a level five drought, the highest severity. Local ranchers say if no rain comes soon they may not have enough food for their cattle to last the winter.

Many ranchers have already started thinning their herds, according to reports, on account of what could be one of the worst hay harvests in recent years throughout Northern, B.C. Just days into August, hay prices in some parts more than doubled, promoting calls for the federal and provincial governments to step in to help farmers and ranches through one of the worst drought in years. 

“The crop failure has made hay prices shoot through the roof," said Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach. "Even if farmers can find hay, the dramatic price increases coupled with high interest rates means they can’t afford it. We need the federal government to bring in direct financial support to help farmers get through an exceptionally difficult set of circumstances.”

Manfred Witter, co-owner of W. Diamond Ranch, a main producer of meat in the Bulkley Valley, was disgusted by the increase in hay prices and refused to pay. But admits at this point he only has 100 bails of hay and doesn't know where he'll get the other 1,300 he needs for the winter. "For now," Witter said, "it's a waiting game.