Drought assistance for livestock producers is being expanded in Alberta.
The federal and provincial governments have announced that applications are opening up for an additional 23 municipalities.
In addition to the expansion of eligible regions, the deadline for applying for funds under the Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance program has been extended to Feb. 22.
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The additional municipalities are primarily surrounding Edmonton and include Two Hills, Wetaskwin, Woodlands and Athabasca counties. Additionally, Grande Prairie County as well as Big Horn and Clearwater counties and the Banff region have been added to the eligibility map.
Rancher qualifications remain the same for the program, namely the requirement that livestock producers must have had to alter their usual grazing practises for more than 21 days between last year and March 31, 2024.
Eligible producers can receive up to $150 per head to cover losses incurred to manage female breeding animals across the livestock spectrum from cattle to llamas.
Another eligibility requirement is that a minimum of 15 animals must have been affected by drought.
The Agriculture Financial Services Corp. will continue to administrate the program in Alberta.
Contact alex.mccuaig@producer.com
