The provincial government is increasing its loan guarantee fund to $100 million (from $55 million previously) for cattle and sheep producers buying and feeding livestock for market.

The Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program supports local, producer-run co-operatives in obtaining competitive financing. Feeder association members use the guarantee to secure capital from lending institutions to buy beef calves and sheep.

The program began in 1936 and has guaranteed $9 billion in private financing to livestock feeders. About 3,500 livestock producers belong to 46 feeder associations in Alberta.