In Red Deer County, a program allowing cattle grazing in ditches has been implemented to provide additional feed during dry pasture conditions. Despite the council’s approval of roadside grazing, local ranchers have shown little interest in utilizing the program. Jordon Smith, the assistant agricultural services manager of Red Deer County, mentioned that the initiative was reintroduced due to the prevailing dry conditions post-winter, enabling producers to access unused areas for supplemental feed.
Participating in the ditch-grazing program in the county involves fulfilling stringent requirements, such as maintaining a $5 million liability insurance, setting up temporary fencing, and limiting grazing to daylight hours only, necessitating livestock to be moved every night. The program, in existence for over a decade, is reviewed annually by the council based on weather conditions, with renewals primarily influenced by dry spells in recent years.
Despite the arid climate in central Alberta, the program has not garnered significant interest. Only one producer applied in 2023 and another in 2024; this year, two producers are involved, though the usual inquiries, averaging up to 10 annually, seldom materialize into participation. Red Deer County rancher John Fuchs expressed that the added effort required for the program outweighs the benefits of additional feed.
In a similar sentiment, rancher Kevin Ziola contemplated utilizing the program during a previous dry period but refrained due to subsequent rainfall. Nikki Olson, overseeing a herd east of Red Deer, highlighted concerns regarding insurance costs and the logistical challenges of moving cattle daily, emphasizing the additional labor, manpower, and expenses involved.
Neighboring municipalities with similar programs, like Lacombe County, have also observed minimal uptake. Suggestions have been made by local producers, including Olson, for the county to offer practical incentives to make the program more appealing. While roadside haying remains a more popular alternative, Smith acknowledged the potential for revisions to the grazing rules next year based on prevailing conditions.
Until the permits expire on October 15, the option of utilizing roadside ditches for grazing purposes will remain available for local producers in need of additional pasture land.
