(File Photo/CKPG News)

By Dave Branco

Ranchers battle feed shortage

Cattle auction surge expected as ranchers battle feed shortage in central BC

Jul 7, 2023 | 9:48 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – This year’s extreme weather has led to sleepless nights for many cattle ranchers in central BC. Many ranchers are affected by a feed shortage for their animals. A shortage that they say could force some ranchers out of business.

The grass in the hay fields surrounding Vanderhoof is usually knee-high during summer. And that’s when ranchers know it is time to cut and bail the hay for animal feed. This season fields in the Vanderhoof area are not producing, which is a serious concern.

“ Last year, we got, I believe it was 1150 big round bales weighing about 1300 pounds apiece. This year we’re getting about 200 of that same. So last year, we could feed over 200 head of cattle. This year we could probably feed about 40.”

Shirley Moon

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As cattle feed continues to decline, it has forced some ranchers to sell their cattle early, or else their animals will starve.

The staff at the Vanderhoof stockyard is busy preparing for a larger auction as they expect ranchers to unload some of their animals.

Last year at this time we had 500 head coming to our July sale. We have over 1000 head.”

Mike Pritchard

Yard Manager, BC Livestock Producers Vanderhoof Stockyards

Last year’s average price for hay was around $185 per ton, which will increase exponentially this season because of the unusual growing weather.

Some ranchers are still wrestling to find feed for their cattle or might have to travel for several hours to save the animals they have not sold.

According to Moon, many ranchers in the heart of the province need more assistance to survive this crisis, such as better access to water and less red tape.

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Email: Dave.Branco@pattisonmedia.com

TikTok: @DaveBrancoVJ