The governments of Canada and Alberta are expanding drought livestock assistance eligibility to help producers maintain breeding herds.

According to the Government of Alberta, the 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance initiative is expanding eligibility to 23 new regions and extending the application deadline. Funding for this joint AgriRecovery initiative is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

According to Clearwater County officials, Clearwater County is now eligible for the 2023 Agri-recovery program administered by Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC).

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation said, “I’m pleased Alberta’s government was able to work with the federal government to expand this financial support to additional regions impacted by severe drought and extreme heat conditions. I will continue to look out for the interests of our hard-working livestock producers.”

Funding for the new regions opened on Jan. 29. Officials say applicants in this intake may receive payments of up to $150 per head. The application deadline is Feb. 22 and extraordinary costs can be incurred until March 31. Officials note this expansion also gives producers who were already eligible another opportunity to apply.

Officials say livestock producers in eligible regions who altered their usual grazing practices due to drought conditions for more than 21 days this season can also apply for financial support to cover losses incurred to manage and maintain female breeding animals such as cattle, bison, horses, elk, sheep, goats, alpacas, yak, musk ox, deer, water buffalo and llamas. A minimum of 15 animals per type of livestock are required to qualify.

“Last year was a tough one for Alberta’s livestock producers and the expansion of this AgriRecovery initiative means that more producers can receive critical support for their breeding herds. Going into 2024, AFSC is ready to help producers manage their risks and support Alberta’s agriculture industry,” said Darryl Kay, CEO, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation.