Alberta livestock producers affected by drought to receive aid to offset costs
Posted Oct 20, 2023 12:19 pm.
Last Updated Oct 21, 2023 11:49 am.
Livestock producers in Alberta will be receiving additional drought support from the provincial and federal governments through the AgriRecovery program to support livestock producers affected by drought and extreme weather conditions.
The Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance program is aimed at livestock producers with grazing animals. The AgriRecovery program is cost-shared through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Alberta Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson says it will allow those in need to apply for financial support to cover losses they incurred to manage and maintain their breeding herds.
He says eligible producers could access up to $150 per head for breeding animals.
Under the cost-share deal, the federal government is providing $99 million and Alberta is to chip in another $66 million.
Sigurdson says it has been a rough year for many livestock producers and he’s hopeful the program will tide them over until next season.
“This year’s drought and excessive heat has resulted in our ranchers facing extra costs due to lost grazing days. We recognize their stress as the winter-feeding months approach,” Sigurdson said.
“This program will help alleviate some of the cost pressures, and support producers in protecting their livelihoods while they continue to put food on tables.”
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AgriRecovery is a natural disaster relief program that puts money in the hands of producers who have seen increased costs due to a disaster.
“Insurance programs — no different than insuring a car — you buy it in hopes that you never have to trigger it,” Sheila Hilmer, vice chair of the Alberta Beef Producers, told CityNews.
“It started our year in fires, floods, drought, wind. You name the disaster or the extreme weather impact, we seem to be getting them.”
When AgriRecovery was initially created, it was designed as a “once in 15 years program,” but Friday’s announcement is the second time in three years that AgriRecovery has been enacted
“A one-and-done is not working, we will have more weather events. It’s not if, it’s when, and it’s always where,” Hilmer explained.
“Without moisture, without rainfall, without some type of infrastructure to bring moisture into these areas, I’m not sure how these operations can continue.”
Cattle and feed costs are at record highs, as is the price of beef at the grocery store.
Hillmer says the industry is in dire need of help, saying agri-recovery will help producers make it to next year.
Unless additional, drastic support is in place, they’ll be faced with the same issue. It’s an issue that could pose a serious threat to Alberta beef’s worldwide reputation.
“We know a lot of people couldn’t afford the protein and quality of food for their families before this. We want to make sure that there’s safe, affordable, abundant food for all,” Hilmer said.
“Of course, right here in Alberta, but we contribute to the world as well.”
-With files from The Canadian Press
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated from the previous The Canadian Press copy to include comment from Sheila Hilmer, vice chair of the Alberta Beef Producers.
