August 20, 2009

Cattle producers in Alberta fear a feed shortage this autumn due to a drought this spring, with some ranchers already downsizing their herds.

Feed supplies for autumn are still critical despite recent rain.

There will be many added costs, and feed prices could become double or triple of that on a normal year, said Kevin Boon, vice president with Alberta Beef Producers.

Alberta's beef herd has declined more than 10 percent in the past year as the industry struggles with a slump that began with export markets closing due to detection of mad cow disease in 2003. More recently, exports to the US have dropped with the implementation of the Country-of-Origin Labelling (COOL) laws.

The Canadian province's 1.85 million head of beef cattle could shrink as much as 30 percent this year, according to estimates by industry officials.

Auction marts are expecting another wave of cattle heading to auction this autumn if feed conditions fail to improve.

The province on Tuesday said it will open up vacant crown land for grazing for ranchers seeking pasture land, which officials said will help a limited number of producers.

But ranchers are also calling on the provincial government to offer some incentives to help turn more grain crops into feed this autumn.

Alberta Agriculture said Tuesday (Aug 18) concerns about frost are rising, as crop development continues to lag. Some areas are up to a month behind normal, while a lack of moisture still remains a concern for both crops and pastures.