June 1, 2010

Canada's stricken cattle producers get governmental assistance

 

Farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan hit hard by drought will get financial help from provincial and federal governments.

A sum of CAD114 million (US$109 million) has been promised to ranchers reeling from the lack of rain that has left their fields dry and many scrambling to find food for their herds.

Ted Ford with Alberta Beef Producers said that the money is much needed and appreciated, but they were hoping for more cash. He also said that they would have liked to see the cash flow a little earlier.

The programme is aimed at ranchers in Saskatchewan and Alberta, but Ford said only those in Central and Northern Alberta will get the money. Ford said that it is difficult when a line is drawn and there will be cases where one neighbour will be eligible for relief cash and another will not.

Eligible producers will get about CAD50 (US$47.80) a head to buy feed for breeding livestock allowing drought-stricken pastures time to recover.