 Greenfield became Premier at a time of agricultural depression , especially in the province 's south . The region , which was responsible for approximately 75 % of Alberta 's wheat production , was in the midst of its fifth consecutive year of drought , and the farmers who had been responsible for putting the UFA into office were now demanding action . Initially , the government offered direct financial assistance , with $ 5 million provided in seed and grain relief by the end of 1922 . However , this effort was driving the province close to bankruptcy , and in 1923 Greenfield announced an end to the handouts ( the bill authorizing the last of these was a source of chagrin for MLAs from all parties , both because it marked the end of direct assistance for farmers and because the last of the assistance was itself so expensive ) . Farmers and political representatives from the affected areas criticized the government bitterly , referencing Greenfield 's earlier pledge that " if the south country should fall , then we are prepared to fall with it " . 
