DIDSBURY, Alta. – Proposals to regulate Alberta’s growing livestock industry have raised doubts about the ability of small operators to comply if the rules become too strict.
A series of open houses presented three options proposed by the provincial government to manage the industry. The options have some producers wondering which regulations will be enacted and how these proposals could affect their lifestyles.
Sorting out the bad apples when it comes to environmental responsibility is one thing but if regulations become too tight, some farmers could be put out of business, said a Carstairs farmer during an open house held in Didsbury.
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“I’m in favor of the industry policing itself. The regulations have to be realistic not optimistic,” said Garry Kellsey. He has a small feedlot and works as an order buyer for a number of large feedlots.
Action should be taken against those who blatantly violate the rules but Kellsey fears ordinary small operators like himself could be regulated out of business.
“If I’m abusing my land, I need to be informed and somehow there needs to be a way of insisting this gets changed,” said Kellsey.
One proposal suggests operators obtain permits to spread manure. In addition regular soil tests could be required. He feels that is going too far.
“When somebody else pays my bills and does my work, then you can tell me how it should be done.”
He fears such rules could build a mountain of paperwork that would turn into a multi million dollar exercise for bureaucrats filling out forms.
Nevertheless, he prefers overall provincial regulations with municipalities managing land use.
Reeve Pat James of the County of Mountainview centred in Didsbury said overseeing these regulations could be the responsibility of agricultural service boards which are part of all Alberta rural municipalities. The service boards are already responsible for weed and pest control.
The discussion paper and public comments will now be handed over to the agriculture standing policy committee in the fall.
