Construction has resumed at Border Line Feeders Inc., a 7,000 head feedlot near Ceylon, Sask.
Spokesperson Barton Daenckaert said most of the major earthwork was done last year, and construction has now begun on the buildings, bunks and pads.
The feedlot should be ready to accept cattle by Sept. 1.
The $3 million custom backgrounding and finishing lot could eventually accommodate 20,000 animals.
“Once we reach 20,000 and get our feet under us, then we’ll look at owning some (cattle),” Daenckaert said.
Border Line Feeders was incorporated in March 2001, but plans were slowed by the discovery of BSE in May 2003.
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The feedlot is located 20 minutes from the U.S. border.
“We spent a lot of time discussing (BSE) around the board table,” Daenckaert said. “We think cattle are going to be around for the long term.”
BSE mostly affected the project’s financing. Share purchases were delayed because of the uncertainty. More than $1.2 million of share equity has been raised and an offering is still open to raise money for operations.
“One of our hurdles is to raise more share capital,” Daenckaert said. “Everyone’s awful tight on cash.”
Local credit unions are the financial partners.
“The banks really liked our business plan at first,” said Daenckaert, but they were more concerned about its prospects after the border closed.
When the provincial government announced it would guarantee 25 percent of feedlot construction costs through a new program, lenders were back on side.
Border Line Feeders will employ seven people full time. Daenckaert said hiring the correct management is the key to a successful operation. The board is interviewing candidates.
“We’re all pretty optimistic and excited,” he said. “This has been a long time coming.”
