A small group of good Samaritans in southwestern Alberta wants to offer
pasture to their drought-stricken comrades.
Led by Calgary-area farmer Craig Antliff, the plan is that ranchers
with extra grass will each take six cow-calf pairs free of charge for
the summer.
They are offering help ranchers in central and northern Alberta forced
to completely disperse herds due to lack of feed and water.
“People are willing to help, but it won’t be very big numbers,” Antliff
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said from his Chestermere farm.
There is some extra grass in the foothills areas but some pastures are
close to capacity. There has been little or no rain in the south, but
many were able to get one cut of hay. Water is available following
heavy June rains and irrigators are working in full force to rebuild
hay supplies.
“Everybody used their fodder last year and there are no reserves,”
Antliff said.
He has also asked the province’s public lands branch to allow a few
extra cattle on leased land. Ordinarily grazing lease terms do not
allow subletting or more cattle than specified, but it was agreed six
pairs would not make a difference under these circumstances.
Those involved are hoping to build a network of contacts among those
with grass and those forced to disperse due to drought, said cattle
industry consultant Gordon Mitchell.
“It’s a depressing time. If we can help out when we have a little bit,
it’s the right thing to do,” he said.
For more information, Antliff may be reached at 403-236-3289 or
Mitchell at 877-909-2333.
For hay and pasture availability visit Alberta Agriculture’s website at
www.agric.gov.ab.ca/store/haylist.html.
