(Photo 8287947 © Rob Thoma | Dreamstime.com)

By Jaryn Vecchio

New Program

FCC offering financial help to Canadian cattle producers

Oct 18, 2023 | 12:18 PM

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is creating a new program for cattle producers.

The FCC Replacement Heifer Program will provide loans to help producers reduce cash flow pressures for those who want to maintain or grow their herd.

“The drought conditions this summer affected a large cattle-producing area in Western Canada and right now ranchers are making decisions about how to best manage their herds,” said Sophie Perreault, FCC’s chief operations officer.

According to Statistics Canada, cattle inventory across the country is roughly 10.3 million which is down four per cent from 2017.

The FCC said they wanted to create the program since the industry is an important part of the agriculture sector that contributes over $24 billion annually to the economy.

MLAs clash over foreign ownership of Saskatchewan farmland

Nov 10, 2025

Outstanding community members

'We all loved him': respected Prince Albert broadcaster passes away

Oct 09, 2025

Nearing the end of harvest

Meals in the field and hats in combines: a look into end of harvest traditions

Oct 09, 2025

The loan would have a maximum two-year period of interest and a maximum life of seven years. Variable interest rates will be capped at prime plus 1.5 per cent, while loan processing fees will be waived.

“FCC is here to partner with customers in coming up with financial solutions that will continue to support the well-being and longevity of Canadian cattle herds,” said Perreault. “If ranchers have other needs beyond heifer financing, I invite them to contact the FCC team.”

Interested producers are encouraged to contact their FCC relationship manager or FCC Livestock Alliance partner. They can do this by contacting their local office or the FCC customer service centre at 1-888-332-3301.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow