Feeder Associations of Alberta celebrate 50 years of service

As the Feeder Associations of Alberta (FAA) celebrate nearly 50 years of service, they continue to provide essential loans to livestock producers in their communities. From January 30th to February 1st, the 45 local Feeder Associations will gather in Red Deer to discuss business and future planning.

“By partnering in livestock financing, our associations have significantly contributed to the growth of Alberta’s livestock industry by making credit more accessible and flexible,” says Craig Guthrie, Executive Director of FAA.

With agricultural financing becoming increasingly challenging, the Feeder Associations’ emphasis on ease of approval value, and accessibility has driven growth. In 2024, FAA loans accounted for 20 per cent of Alberta’s agricultural lending market, marking one of the largest years on record.

The organization has a rich history dating back to 1936, when the Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program was first established. It provides financial resources and industry guidance to help producers start or expand their operations successfully.

“We collaborate with government agencies, financial partners, and Local Feeder Associations (LFA) to implement programs that support grain farmers and feeder and breeder operations,” says George L’Heureux, FAA Chair, and representative of Zone Four.

“Our associations possess unique knowledge of the challenges in raising livestock and understanding local communities. This is a core strength of the program, as it brings in people who might have not otherwise have access to credit on these terms,” adds Guthrie.

The FAA’s programs have expanded, and one of the objectives of the Annual Meeting is to raise awareness of new features in the FAA suite of products, including the Alberta Breeder Finance Inc (ABFI) and the Western Cash Advance Program (WeCAP). Together, these programs have funded nearly half a billion dollars.

Representatives from the five zones, along with industry partners such as Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, Western Stockgrowers Association, and Livestock Identification Services, will attend the sessions during the conference, with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson set to address the participants.

In addition to discussing resolutions and policy, the conference will feature information and program updates. Keynote speaker Matt Makens of Makens Weather in Colorado will provide a weather outlook, and discuss long-term climate trends. Livestock traceability is another topic on the two-day agenda, themed “50 Years – Building on History Towards Excellence.”

A highlight of the annual conference is the STARS Fundraiser, which set a new record in 2024 by raising over $70,000. The FAA was recognized at the National Philanthropy Day celebration for its many years of support to STARS, having raised $760,000 to date.

The vent kicks off the evening of January 30th at the Red Deer Resort and Casino, with a session featuring Bullseye Feeds’ Livestock Analyst Brian Perillat on Cattle Industry Opportunities.

“We look forward to discussing future challenges and possibilities as we face a declining cattle herd. Interested producers are invited to register by January 24, 2025, to join the information sessions,” says Guthrie.

For more information on the conference, call 587-635-5669 or visit the website, www.feederassoc.com.