The province is opening up the 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance initiative to more producers. 

Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson says they have expanded the program to include 23 new regions.

“I’m pleased Alberta’s government was able to work with the federal government to expand this financial support to additional regions impacted by severe drought and extreme heat conditions. I will continue to look out for the interests of our hard-working livestock producers.”

Under the program livestock producers in eligible regions who altered their usual grazing practices due to drought conditions for more than 21 days this season can apply for financial support.

The funding, which can reach up to $150 per head, is designed to help cover losses incurred to manage and maintain female breeding animals.

Darryl Kay, CEO, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation says last year was a tough one for Alberta's livestock producers.

"The expansion of this AgriRecovery initiative means that more producers can receive critical support for their breeding herds. Going into 2024, AFSC is ready to help producers manage their risks and support Alberta's agriculture industry."

Funding for the new regions will open on Monday, January 29 with applications closing February 22 and extraordinary costs can be incurred until March 31.

The expansion also gives producers who were already eligible another opportunity to apply.

Details on the expanded coverage area and the program can be found here.