In Red Deer County, a program allowing cattle grazing in ditches provides extra feed during dry periods, but local ranchers have shown limited interest. Red Deer County council authorized roadside grazing along municipal roads as a drought mitigation measure, yet few ranchers have taken advantage of this opportunity in recent years.
Jordon Smith, assistant agricultural services manager of Red Deer County, mentioned that the program was reinstated due to exceptionally dry conditions post-winter. The initiative permits producers to access additional feed from typically unused areas.
However, participation in the program comes with stringent conditions. Producers must possess $5 million in liability insurance, set up temporary fencing, and confine grazing to daylight hours, requiring livestock to be brought in nightly.
Smith highlighted that the program has existed for over a decade, with annual reviews by the council based on weather conditions. The drier climate has prompted program renewals in four out of the last five years. Despite recent arid conditions in central Alberta, interest in the program remains low, with minimal applications in past years.
While two producers are currently involved, Smith mentioned that the county typically receives up to 10 inquiries annually, most of which do not materialize. Rancher John Fuchs expressed that the additional effort needed to utilize the program outweighs the benefits of extra feed.
Neighboring municipalities also offer similar programs with low uptake rates. Rancher Nikki Olson suggested that incentives from the county could make the program more appealing to cattle producers, such as providing portable fencing units.
Another popular use of ditch grass among local producers is roadside haying, which involves cutting grass for cattle feed using equipment. This method, involving fewer safety risks compared to grazing livestock, attracts approximately four to five users annually.
Although no immediate changes are planned for the grazing regulations, the council may consider revisions for the following year, depending on circumstances. For now, until permits expire on Oct. 15, the roadside ditches will continue to serve as backup pasture for local producers if needed.