Alberta & B.C. organizations team up to help producers affected by wildfires

This story was first published on RealAgriculture.com on Sept. 14, 2026. 

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) are working together to help B.C. cattle producers whose grazing and hay supplies have been affected by this summer’s droughts and wildfires.

The two cattle organizations are connecting affected producers in B.C. with Alberta producers who may have feed, pasture or cattle-feeding capacity available.

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Alex Kulchar, president of BCCA and a rancher from near Vanderhoof, says that connections are coordinated through the BCCA’s Access to Feed Program, which helps identify potential matches between producers seeking resources and those with resources to spare.

Individual producers are responsible for determining the terms of any arrangement and details are kept confidential.

Kulchar says that BCCA has also been supporting ranchers with range riders to help move or secure cattle and to assist in disaster planning.

Alberta producers are asked to consider whether they can help provide available feed that can be transported to B.C., pasture for cattle that could be temporarily relocated in Alberta, or feedlot or drylot capacity for cattle that may need to remain in Alberta for the winter.

“This is really about neighbours helping neighbours and producers helping producers,” says Brad Dubeau, general manager of ABP. “B.C. cattle industry leaders moved quickly to find practical solutions for producers affected by wildfires and drought, and we are pleased to support them in this initiative. If Alberta producers have resources that can help, we encourage them to connect with the program and see where they may be able to lend a hand.”

For those looking to help, email Access to Feed coordinator Greg Tegart at hay@cattlemen.bc.ca.

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