Alberta, B.C. cattle organizations team up to support producers affected by wildfires 

Calgary, AB and Kamloops, B.C. – Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) are working together to connect B.C. livestock producers facing feed shortages and wildfire impacts with Alberta producers who may have feed, pasture or cattle-feeding capacity available. 

The collaboration builds on BCCA’s existing Access to Feed Program, which connects livestock producers in need with producers and suppliers who have resources available.  

“This has been an incredibly difficult year for many producers, and the impacts of wildfires and drought are being felt differently from one operation to the next,” says Kevin Boon, General Manager of BCCA. “While this program can’t replace what’s been lost, it can help producers explore options they may not have otherwise known about, whether that’s feed, pasture, or a place to relocate cattle.” 

Through the initiative, Alberta producers are asked to consider whether they can help in one of three ways: 

• Providing available feed that could be transported to B.C. 

• Providing pasture for cattle that could be temporarily relocated to Alberta. 

• Providing feedlot or drylot capacity for cattle that may need to remain in Alberta through the winter. 

Connections will be coordinated through BCCA’s Access to Feed Program. The program acts as a confidential point of contact, helping identify potential matches between producers seeking resources and those with feed, pasture or feeding capacity available. Individual producers are responsible for determining the terms of any arrangement. All details are kept confidential. 

“This is really about neighbours helping neighbours and producers helping producers,” says Brad Dubeau, General Manager of ABP. “B.C. cattle industry leaders moved quickly to find practical solutions for producers affected by wildfires and drought, and we are pleased to support them in this initiative. If Alberta producers have resources that can help, we encourage them to connect with the program and see where they may be able to lend a hand.” 

Alberta producers wishing to provide help, as well as B.C. producers seeking assistance, can contact Access to Feed coordinator Greg Tegart. Phone or text: 250-306-6277. Email: hay@cattlemen.bc.ca.  

The initiative is intended to provide producers with another option as they make decisions about feeding and caring for livestock following a challenging wildfire season and feed shortages in parts of B.C. 

“We appreciate Alberta Beef Producers and Alberta producers stepping forward to help,” says Boon. “By expanding the reach of our Access to Feed program and working with our neighbours in Alberta, we hope to make connections that give affected producers more options as they navigate some very challenging circumstances.” 

About Alberta Beef Producers 

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is a not-for-profit commission representing Alberta’s cattle producers. ABP’s work spans critical areas such as research, production, communications, marketing, policy advocacy, and stewardship. Run by producers for producers, ABP is dedicated to maintaining a sustainable, competitive beef industry for the benefit of all Albertans. 

About B.C. Cattlemen’s Association 

The B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) is the recognized voice of beef cattle ranchers throughout British Columbia. Established in 1929, the Association has long served as a grassroots advocate for ranchers. Our mission is to promote, support and protect a healthy cattle industry that provides quality beef products and is guided by strong membership, environmental stewardship, respect for stakeholders and excellent business practices.