On-Farm Efficiency Program opens to applications

Alberta cattle producers looking to add new tools for herd, feed or water monitoring can now apply for funding through the province’s On-Farm Efficiency Program. Applications opened Sept. 23.

The program, delivered through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), supports technology aimed at improving resource use, reducing waste and helping producers monitor day-to-day operations. Under the Smart Farm Technology stream, eligible items include electronic livestock IUD readers that collect individual animal data, smart calf and livestock feeders, livestock health monitoring systems, and remote cameras for existing water systems. Certain farm security and energy-efficiency upgrades are also available.

Most approved expenses are cost-shared 50-50 between the applicant and the program. Maximum funding is available up to $50,000 for Smart Farm Technology projects, $50,000 for Energy Efficiency projects, and $2,000 for Farm Security projects. Some items may also be subject to individual funding caps.

To qualify, applicants must operate an Alberta agricultural business that produces at least $25,000 in annual farm commodity sales and be responsible for the operation’s input costs. Producers must also have a current Environmental Farm Plan or complete one before submitting their final report.

Funding is limited, and applications are not guaranteed approval or reimbursement. Producers should review the program funding list to confirm eligible purchases and consult the On-Farm Efficiency Program webpage for application details and instructions.