Compensation in the works for producers impacted by TB

Nov 25, 2016

The federal government has announced financial support for quarantined ranchers

By Jennifer Jackson

Finally, cattle ranchers affected by the bovine tuberculosis (TB) quarantine can expect financial support from the federal government.

Lawrence MacAulay announced the compensation plan yesterday in Parliament.

“Being a farmer I certainly understand that bovine TB is a serious challenge for these ranchers," MacAulay said in Ottawa.

"Working with the Province we are committed to compensate these ranchers for the costs they are facing, including interest on their advance payment loans."

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency claimed in a teleconference last week there are now six confirmed cases of TB. Depending on future findings, the investigation could continue for months, Farms.com reports.

"We are working hard to address this unfortunate situation and take measures to help these ranchers with this serious challenge," MacAulay said.

Beef Cattle

PrairieArtProject/iSTock/GettyImagesPlus

Oneil Carlier, the Alberta minister of agriculture, echoes these concerns, according to a CBC article.

"Bovine tuberculosis in Alberta couldn't have come at a worse time. They're looking for their one and only pay cheque and of course they can't do it,” Carlier told CBC. “So I'm quite happy that we're able to do something for them.”

Financial program arrangements are yet to be released or confirmed.

"I think (the compensation) will be somewhat of a split but we're happy knowing that this is going to be cost-shared between the two jurisdictions and that we're able to do something for these producers," Carlier told CBC.

Farms.com has reached out to the Alberta Beef Growers for comment.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.