In Red Deer County, a program allowing cattle to graze in ditches to access extra feed during dry periods has not been widely embraced by local ranchers. The initiative was approved by the Red Deer County council in July as a response to potential drought conditions, but uptake has been minimal in recent years.
Jordon Smith, the assistant agricultural services manager for Red Deer County, explained that the program was reinstated due to the exceptionally dry conditions following winter. This initiative enables producers to utilize unused areas for additional feed.
However, taking advantage of the program comes with stringent requirements. Producers must have $5 million in liability insurance, set up temporary fencing, and restrict grazing to daylight hours, necessitating the movement of livestock every night.
Although the program has been in existence for over a decade, its renewal is assessed annually based on weather conditions. Smith mentioned that the program has been renewed in four of the last five years due to dry conditions in central Alberta.
Despite the recent dry spells, participation in the program remains low. Only one producer applied in 2023, and another in 2024. This year, two producers are involved, with the county typically receiving up to 10 inquiries annually, most of which do not materialize.
Local ranchers like John Fuchs express little surprise at the limited interest in the program, citing the additional effort required as outweighing the benefits of the extra feed. Similarly, rancher Kevin Ziola considered the program during a past dry period but opted out when rain alleviated the situation.
Nikki Olson, who manages a herd of around 50 cattle, highlighted concerns such as insurance costs and the logistical challenges of moving cattle daily, as they cannot remain in the ditches overnight.
Neighboring municipalities with similar roadside grazing programs, like Lacombe County, have also experienced low participation rates. Suggestions for practical incentives, such as providing portable fencing units, have been proposed by cattle producers like Olson to make the program more appealing.
In contrast, roadside haying, where farmers cut ditch grass to feed cattle, is a more popular alternative among local producers due to lower liability risks.
While the county currently has no plans to revise the grazing regulations, potential modifications could be considered by the council next year based on prevailing conditions. Until the permits expire on October 15, the roadside ditches will remain available as emergency pasture for local producers.
