In Red Deer County, an initiative allowing cattle grazing in ditches to supplement feed during dry spells has been met with little interest from local ranchers. The program, endorsed by the Red Deer County council in July to assist farmers in coping with potential drought situations, has not been widely adopted in recent years.
Jordon Smith, the assistant agricultural services manager for Red Deer County, explained that the program was reintroduced due to exceptionally dry conditions following the winter season. He highlighted that the initiative enables producers to utilize untapped resources for additional feed.
Despite the potential benefits, obtaining permission to graze cattle in the county’s ditches comes with stringent requirements. Producers must carry $5 million in liability insurance, install temporary fencing, and confine grazing to daylight hours, necessitating livestock to be relocated every evening.
Smith mentioned that the program has been in operation for over a decade, with annual reviews by the council contingent on weather conditions. He noted that the program has been renewed in four of the past five years due to drier conditions, but uptake has been minimal.
Although recent dry conditions in central Alberta persist, interest in the program remains limited. Smith disclosed that only one local producer applied in 2023, with a similar situation in 2024. This year, two producers are participating, but despite around 10 inquiries annually, most do not materialize.
Local rancher John Fuchs expressed that the additional effort required to participate in the program does not justify the extra feed acquired. Similarly, rancher Kevin Ziola contemplated utilizing the program during a dry period three years ago but opted out due to a subsequent increase in rainfall.
Nikki Olson, who manages a herd of approximately 50 cattle east of Red Deer, highlighted concerns about the program’s logistics and costs, particularly regarding insurance expenses and the daily movement of cattle.
Neighboring municipalities also offer roadside grazing programs with minimal uptake. Lacombe County reported issuing only three permits over the last five years. Olson suggested that practical incentives from the county could make the program more appealing to cattle producers.
Additionally, roadside haying, where farmers harvest ditch grass for cattle feed, is a more popular alternative among local producers. Smith mentioned that this practice, involving equipment rather than livestock, attracts four to five regular participants annually.
While there are no immediate plans to revise grazing regulations, Smith indicated that adjustments 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.