Calgary, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – The Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) are teaming up to help producers hit by wildfires and feed shortages, connecting them with Alberta producers who may have extra feed, pasture or space to look after cattle.
The two organizations are partnering through the B.C. association’s existing Access to Feed Program, which connects livestock producers in need with producers and suppliers who have resources available.
“This has been an incredibly difficult year for many producers, and the impacts of wildfires and drought are being felt differently from one operation to the next,” says Kevin Boon, outgoing BCCA General Manager. “While this program can’t replace what’s been lost, it can help producers explore options they may not have otherwise known about, whether that’s feed, pasture, or a place to relocate cattle.”
Alberta producers are being asked to consider whether they can provide feed that could be transported to B.C., pasture for cattle that could be temporarily relocated to Alberta, or feedlot or drylot capacity for cattle that may need to remain in Alberta through the winter.
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Connections will be coordinated through the Access to Feed Program, which serves as a confidential point of contact to identify potential matches between producers seeking resources and those with feed, pasture or feeding capacity available.
Individual producers will be responsible for sorting out the terms of any arrangement, and all details will be kept confidential.
“This is really about neighbours helping neighbours and producers helping producers,” says Brad Dubeau, General Manager of the ABP. “B.C. cattle industry leaders moved quickly to find practical solutions for producers affected by wildfires and drought, and we are pleased to support them in this initiative. If Alberta producers have resources that can help, we encourage them to connect with the program and see where they may be able to lend a hand.”
Alberta producers wishing to provide help, as well as B.C. producers seeking assistance, can contact Access to Feed coordinator Greg Tegart by phone or text at 250-306-6277 or by email at hay@cattlemen.bc.ca.
