By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup for Thursday January 6, 2022

Jan 6, 2022 | 9:40 AM

MELFORT, Sask. — Alberta livestock producers and beekeepers can now apply for phase two of the Canada-Alberta Livestock Feed Assistance AgriRecovery initiative.

Producers can apply for additional compensation to help cover costs over and above the phase one initial payment.

Due to prolonged dry weather and extreme high temperatures, many producers experienced reduced grazing capacity causing a severe economic hit.

Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development Minister Nate Horner said the province experienced exceedingly dry conditions this growing season, putting undue stress on the farmers, ranchers and producers.

“Without this significant AgriRecovery response, Alberta producers risked losing their competitive advantage by having to sell off their livestock herds and making difficult decisions surrounding the health of their animals,” Horner said.

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The second phase, which opened Jan. 5, provides continued assistance to eligible Alberta producers, who were hit hard by the 2021 drought.

The initial and secondary payments will put up to $340 million into the hands of producers to help them address the extraordinary costs incurred feeding their livestock.

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An intensifying labour shortage is rippling through Canada’s economy, forcing businesses to curtail operations, reduce hours and in some cases, euthanize livestock.

The situation is a result of a chronic worker shortage worsened by new COVID-19 cases forcing many into isolation.

Some workers are scrambling for childcare and unable to go into work.

At a slaughterhouse near Quebec City, the worker shortage became so extreme it opted to euthanize chickens that couldn’t be processed.

Exceldor Co-operative said rising COVID-19 infections and a significant shortage of personnel have forced the company to resort to humane euthanasia.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW