Bookings and interest in surveys is way up for surveys this year in all likelihood due to the lack of snow this winter pretty much across the west. We have nearly twice the bookings now than we had at the end of April last year. Word is the dugouts won’t be near as full in some areas so the farming sector in general, particularly the ranchers, are motivated to develop additional groundwater sources especially when all they have are dugouts. With what appears to a rosy outlook for beef for the next while they simply don’t want to be hampered by water shortages for what are likely to be larger herds then in the past few years.
If they aren’t already aware it’s a good time for farmers and ranchers to check out the Growing Forward Program in Alberta as our surveys, like water well drilling, are again eligible for support as part of farm and ranch water development programs.
With the exceptionally mild weather wouldn’t be surprised to see the frost out in early April or even late March at least in southern AB allowing us to get going on surveys. Twice in the last 7 years we actually started the last week of March here in AB with our latest start being in 2009 with the first survey a week into May. Last year was also nearly as late.
As always do book early to avoid mileage charges. Spring early summer and fall we typically have enough work to get to most areas in western Canada that we can spread the costs and avoid surcharges but with fuel where its’ at again we will be implementing surcharges anytime we have to travel to far.
