Applications are now open for the AgriRecovery Livestock Feed Assistance Initiative

The AgriRecovery 2021 Canada-Alberta Livestock Feed Assistance Initiative compensates Alberta's producers for the extraordinary feed costs incurred due to drought and extreme high temperatures in 2021.

The AgriRecovery response provides support and cash flow for Alberta’s livestock producers and beekeepers to cover the exceptional expenses incurred to feed livestock, as well as support the management and maintenance of Alberta’s breeding animals.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to participate in the initiative, participants must:

• Be an individual who is at least 18 years of age; either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada; and resident in Alberta; or be a corporation whose majority of voting shareholders are resident in Alberta.
• Report farm income and expenses in Alberta for income tax purposes. Applicants who are not required to file farm income tax must provide documentation that demonstrates the production and sale of agricultural commodities;
• Be responsible for feeding and primary care of the eligible animals or bee colonies or hives located in Alberta. Landlords in a cow/calf share arrangement will not be considered eligible applicants in respect to those animals; and
• Apply to the program as specified in the Terms and Conditions.

Which animals are eligible?

Animals must (with the exception of bees):

• Be breeding female animals;
• Be grazing animals including, but not limited to:
  • Alpacas, Bison, Cows, Deer, Elk, Goats, Horses, Llamas, Musk Ox, Sheep, Yak

For beekeepers:

• Bees must be part of an operation with a minimum of 100 colonies/hives placed and cared for within Alberta.

*The eligibility and payment rate for breeding females not specifically mentioned in the initiative’s terms and conditions will be reviewed by the initiative’s administration. Producers should complete the application to start the review process.

Which animals are not eligible?

• Market animals
• Culled breeding stock
• Breeding males
• Animals owned in whole or in part by a federally licensed or provincially licensed slaughter facility
• Animals that were or are being fed for weight gain on pasture or in a confined feeding operation
• Hogs
• Poultry
• Dairy cows for commercial milk production

How much is the initial payment?

Eligible participants can apply for a feed assistance payment based on a minimum of 10 eligible animals per category of livestock on hand as of August 6, 2021.

• Eligible participants will receive a per head payment for eligible animals to assist with the costs incurred due to lost pasture/grazing days.
• Eligible breeding animals and compensation rates are:
  • Horses $113/head
  • Cattle and bison $94/head
  • Elk, yak, and musk ox $47/head
  • Deer and llamas $24/head
  • Sheep, goats and alpacas $19/head

How do I apply for the initial payment?

Participants are strongly encouraged to apply online using AFSC Connect for faster service. Individuals who need assistance with applying should contact the AFSC Client Service Centre at 1-877-899-2372 or call an AFSC branch office to discuss their options.

• You will need to provide your premises ID and the number of animals you had on hand as of August 6, 2021
• Records of feed and water expenses do not need to be submitted for the initial payment
• The application deadline is October 31, 2021
• Producers who are current AFSC clients should ensure they have an AFSC Connect account and are signed up for direct deposit to receive program payments as quickly as possible
• Producers who are not currently AFSC clients will need to be set up as AFSC clients

How much is the secondary payment?

The secondary payment covers additional extraordinary cost over and above the initial payment, and will be based on the number of eligible animals on hand as of December 31, 2021

• The maximum secondary per head payments are:
  • Cattle and Bison: $106/head
  • Deer and Llamas: $27/head
  • Elk/Yak/Musk Ox: $53/head
  • Horses: $127/head
  • Sheep/Goats/Alpacas: $21/head
• Payment will be calculated using a feed-need calculation, supplemented by proof of eligible expenses
• Proof of expense can be receipts or other supporting documentation deemed acceptable by the initiative’s administration
• Producers unable to provide proof of expense will be required to pay back any funds paid out

For beekeepers:

• Participants will receive one payment for up to 70 per cent of the extraordinary costs association with preparing eligible bees for winter. They will receive up to $7.50 per hive to assist with the costs to purchase pollen patties and syrup.

How do I calculate the secondary payment?

Step 1 TOTAL EXTRA FEED COST PER HEAD

Number of Extraordinary Feed Days x Feed Pounds Per Day Required x $0.115 Feed Costs Per Pound

Step 2 TOTAL SECONDARY PAYMENT

Total Extra Feed Cost Per Head (Step 1) - Initial Payment Per Head

Step 3 MAXIMUM SECONDARY PAY

Total Secondary Payment (Step 2) - Total Number of Eligible Animals

• The number of extraordinary feed days will be calculated by taking the normal number of grazing days (days on pasture) and subtracting the number of days the participant was able to follow normal grazing practices in 2021
• Producers may need to provide evidence of changes to their normal practices to verify their feed-need calculation

I have additional expenses, are they covered?

Eligible expenses not included in the feed need calculation may include:

• Feed
• Temporary water provision (not covered by the CAP Water Program)
• Temporary fencing
• Transportation costs related to hauling feed, water or animals
• Pregnancy Tests
• Other activities required to secure Feed supplies or maintain the breeding herd.

*Eligible expenses will be paid at up to 70 per cent. The combined payment will not exceed the per head maximum by animal type set out in the initiative’s terms and conditions.

How do I apply for the secondary payment?

The application for the secondary payment will not be available until later this year. Please watch the AFSC website and social media platforms for updates.

Questions?

If you have questions about completing your application, what plan of action is best for you, or any related services, please contact one of our Agriculture Experts or complete the contact form below.