In Red Deer County, a program designed for ditch grazing provides additional forage for cattle during periods of dry pastures, yet nearly all local ranchers are hesitant to participate.
In July, the Red Deer County council sanctioned roadside grazing along municipal roads to assist farmers in managing potential drought issues. Despite the chance to obtain extra feed, the program has attracted almost no participants in recent years.
Jordon Smith, the assistant agricultural services manager for Red Deer County, mentioned that the council reinstated the program due to extremely dry conditions following winter.
“This program enables producers to access a bit of extra feed from areas that would otherwise go unused,” Smith explained.
However, gaining approval to graze cattle in the county’s ditches entails stringent requirements. Ranchers are required to have $5 million in liability insurance, set up temporary fencing, and limit grazing to daylight hours only, meaning that animals must be brought in every night.
Jordon Smith, Red Deer County’s assistant agricultural services manager, indicated that the roadside grazing initiative allows cattle producers to utilize otherwise unutilized ditch grass for extra feed. (Kevin Sabiston/CBC)
Smith highlighted that the program has existed for over a decade, with the council evaluating its continuation annually based on weather conditions. He noted that drier weather has prompted the program’s renewal in four of the last five years.
Nonetheless, despite the recent dry conditions in central Alberta, participation in the program remains extremely low. Smith stated that one local rancher applied for the program in 2023, and only one more did so in 2024.
While two producers are engaged this year, Smith mentioned that the county typically receives around 10 inquiries each year, but most do not result in actual participation.
“Often, individuals initiate the process but then change their minds once they delve into the program. Typically, moisture arrives at that point, or they become less concerned about feed conditions,” he remarked.
Ranchers aren’t surprised by low uptake
Local rancher John Fuchs from Red Deer County expressed that the extra effort needed to use the program is not worth the additional feed received.
“I can see it becoming quite a hassle,” Fuchs commented. “Finding very quiet spots on roads with minimal traffic, which are scarce around here … would be challenging.”
John Fuchs manages approximately 30 cattle east of Red Deer. (Kevin Sabiston/CBC)
About three years ago, during a dry spell, rancher Kevin Ziola contemplated utilizing the ditch-grazing program.
“We were running low on pasture and exploring all our options. Then it started to rain, replenishing water. So, we ultimately decided against it,” he explained.
“But I can see where [the program] might be beneficial,” Ziola added, suggesting that it could work for a small herd but would pose significant challenges for larger operations with hundreds of cattle.
Nikki Olson, who operates a herd of around 50 cattle east of Red Deer, stated that one of her main concerns regarding the program, aside from insurance expenses, is the daily logistics of moving cattle since they are not permitted to remain in the ditches overnight.
“They can’t stay out,” Olson remarked. “If you know how it is when you turn cows onto fresh green grass and then try to bring them back to a pasture that they already recognize has no grass left, they are not very eager to follow you.”
“It adds extra challenges in terms of labor, manpower, and costs,” she continued.
Producers say incentives would help
Adjacent municipalities also have roadside grazing initiatives and report similar low participation rates. Lacombe County, located just north of Red Deer County, informed CBC News that it has granted only three permits for roadside grazing in the past five years.
Olson suggested that practical incentives from the county for cattle producers would make the program significantly more appealing.
“It shouldn’t fall on the producer to incur additional expenses in a challenging year,” she stated. “So having portable fencing units available for rent … could make a substantial difference.”
Rancher Nikki Olson stands alongside her cattle on her property southeast of Red Deer. (Kevin Sabiston/CBC)
However, there is another application for ditch grass that is more favored among local producers. Smith pointed out that roadside haying—where farmers harvest ditch grass using machinery for cattle feed—attracts approximately four to five regular users each year.
“There’s considerably less liability from a public safety perspective, right? There are no livestock on the roadside; it’s just machinery,” he explained.
Although the county currently has no plans to alter the grazing regulations, Smith mentioned that the council may consider adjustments for the upcoming year depending on the circumstances.
For now, until the county permits expire on October 15, those roadside ditches will continue to be available as a backup pasture for local producers if needed.