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September 2, 2026 Business Tools

Do you own a pre-2002 confined feeding operation without a permit from the NRCB?

If your confined feeding operation (CFO) was operating before January 1, 2002, and you do not have a permit from the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) that states your livestock type and livestock capacity, now is a good time to request a formal grandfathering determination from the NRCB.

A grandfathering determination provides official documentation of your operation’s livestock type and capacity. Having that documentation can make things easier if you plan to sell, refinance, transfer ownership, or expand your operation in the future.

If you already have a permit from the NRCB that states your livestock type and livestock capacity, this article does not apply to you.

Why should you apply?

Get documentation before you need it

A grandfathering determination confirms the livestock type and capacity your operation was approved for on January 1, 2002, when the Agricultural Operation Practices Act came into effect.

Buyers, lenders, and other organizations may ask for this information when you are selling, refinancing, transferring ownership, or planning changes to your operation.

Many producers do not realize they need this documentation until they are in the middle of a business transaction. Applying now allows you to get the information ahead of time and avoid possible delays later.

Records are getting harder to find

To confirm grandfathered status, the NRCB needs information that shows your operation existed before January 1, 2002, and what livestock type and capacity it had at that time.

As records get older, they can become harder to find. Applying sooner may make it easier to locate and verify the information needed to support your application.

The process is now simpler

The NRCB has updated its grandfathering determination process to improve timelines and make the process clearer for producers.

The updated approach was developed with input from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation and livestock industry groups.

Consider applying before 2030

The NRCB is discussing the future of grandfathering with industry associations, municipalities, and government partners.

As part of those discussions, the NRCB is preparing to request legislative changes that would end new grandfathering determination applications after 2030.

If those changes are approved, producers who have not obtained a grandfathering determination before the deadline may no longer be able to apply for one.

If you think your operation may qualify for grandfathered status, it is worth considering an application sooner rather than later.

Ready to get started?

Contact your local NRCB field office, send us an email, or visit our website.

Morinville: 780-939-1212
Red Deer/Airdrie: 403-340-5241
Lethbridge: 403-381-5166

Email: info@nrcb.ca
Website: www.nrcb.ca

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About the Author

The NRCB is responsible for reviews of proposed major natural resource projects under the Natural Resources Conservation Board Act (NRCBA), and for the regulation of confined feeding operations (CFOs) in Alberta under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA).

Cattle Report

Updated: September 2, 2026

Steers

Live: ---
Rail: ---

Heifers

Live: ---
Rail: ---

Choice Steers

Live: 218.00 (IA)
Rail: 345.00 (NE)

Choice Heifers

Live: 218.00 (IA)
Rail: 345.00 (NE)

Boner Cows

Over 500 lbs: 310.74

Canadian Dollar

$72.08   0.06

Livestock Price Insurance Index

Expiry Fed Feeder Calf
23-Nov-26 266 414 --
21-Dec-26 268 408 --
18-Jan-27 266 406 --
15-Feb-27 266 398 --
15-Mar-27 266 398 --
12-Apr-27 274 396 --
10-May-27 280 402 --
Last Updated on August 27, 2026

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