Photo from the Alberta Beef Producers Facebook page.

By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Beef groups calling for set-aside program, other action, during COVID-19 pandemic

Apr 17, 2020 | 12:00 PM

Alberta Beef Producers and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association are recommending that the federal government bring in a set-aside program to slow down the flow of cattle to processing.

ABP Chair Kelly Smith-Fraser says this is needed “if a critical situation disrupts the beef supply chain.”

“With the current reductions in processing capacity, we are now in a critical situation and urge governments to implement a set-aside program immediately to slow the flow of cattle to processing. This will help to stabilize markets and establish a better balance between supplies of cattle and processing capacity.”

Smith-Fraser says the groups are hoping to see fewer cull cows and more fed cattle going to slaughter,

The Cargill plant in High River has cut production. Their union says 38 workers at the plant have tested positive for COVID-19 and the union is asking that the plant close for two weeks.

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Smith-Fraser says this resulted in shift reductions.

“We have seen smaller reductions at other plants due to the implementation of safety measures to protect workers. These reductions create challenges for beef producers and may have impacts on the availability of beef for consumers if they continue for a prolonged period of time. The health and safety of Canadians and the food we produce are of highest priority to the agriculture supply chain.”

There have also been three positive tests reported at the JBS plant in Brooks.

Smith-Fraser says other things could also be done.

“We encourage provincial and federal governments to deem COVID-19 a natural disaster and trigger AgriRecovery funding to assist producers who are facing financial extraordinary hardships. We are seeking government assistance to offset the high cost of premiums for the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program caused by the extreme market volatility.”

Smith-Fraser adds the groups also want to see enhancements to programs like AgriStability that would make them more effective for ranchers during what she describes as “this tough time.”

– with files from The Canadian Press.