Overview
A diversified livestock farm is the term used to refer collectively to both a diversified livestock production farm and a harvest preserve.
- Diversified livestock production farms are dedicated to farming diversified livestock.
- Harvest preserves focus on the business of providing fee-paying clients with the opportunity to harvest domestic cervids within a defined harvest preserve.
- Subject to conditions and guidelines, owners or operators may operate both a diversified livestock production farm and a harvest preserve.
- Currently the legislation prescribes elk, deer and moose as diversified livestock.
An overview document has been developed that outlines the operating requirements for diversified livestock farms. Refer to the Overview of Operating Requirements for Diversified Livestock Farms.
The Fencing and Handling Facility Standards for Diversified Livestock Farms has been updated. Compliance to these standards is required for both diversified livestock production farms and harvest preserve operations.
Chronic wasting disease testing of all farmed cervids is mandatory in Alberta. For more information on producer responsibilities, visit the Mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Program.
Harvest preserves
In 2026, legislation was passed to enable harvest preserves in Alberta. Harvest preserves are operations where customers pay for the experience of participating in a controlled harvest (hunt) of domestic cervids on enclosed, privately owned land. The cervids on these preserves are raised on diversified livestock production farms.
The legislation outlines key requirements for operating a harvest preserve. These include provisions related to harvesting, meat and carcass possession and usage, record keeping and restrictions on movement of live animals off a harvest preserve. Review the legislation or the overview document.
To support the operation of responsible and ethical harvest preserves, the Alberta Elk Commission and Alberta Whitetail & Mule Deer Association, in collaboration with Government of Alberta, developed the Alberta Elk and Deer Farming Industry Guidelines for Harvest Preserves focused on animal care, firearms safety and other aspects of operating a harvest preserve.
Harvest preserve operators must comply with the mandatory chronic wasting disease surveillance program. Harvest preserve operators will be eligible to collect and submit chronic wasting disease samples for testing. However, to be eligible, a mandatory training session must be attended. For information on the Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance program and operator responsibilities, visit the Mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Program.
Applying for a licence
A person must be licensed under the Livestock Industry Diversification Act and associated Domestic Cervid Industry Regulation in order to own and operate a diversified livestock farm in Alberta.
Two types of licences are available:
- Diversified Livestock Production Farm Licences
- Harvest Preserve Licences
All requirements under the legislation must be met.
A diversified livestock farm licence costs $100 and is valid for 5 years.
A person can apply for a licence to operate a diversified livestock farm by calling 780-422-1472 or filling out an application form.
Eligibility
A person can apply for a diversified livestock farm licence if the person:
- is at least 18 years of age
- holds an estate in land comprising or including the area on which the farm will be or is situated and that estate is registered under the Land Titles Act
- holds Métis title, provisional Métis title, an allotment or a leasehold interest in land comprising or including the area on which the farm will be or is situated and that interest is registered in the Metis Settlements Land Registry
- is in possession of that land under written arrangements made with the person referred to in one of the paragraphs above who would otherwise be in possession of it and a copy of those arrangements has been provided to the Director
Legislative requirements and licensee responsibilities
Review the following information outlining some legislative requirements. Additional requirements may apply.
- Livestock Industry Diversification Act
- Domestic Cervid Industry Regulation
- Meat Inspection Regulation
- Fencing and Handling Facility Standards for Diversified Livestock Farms
- Mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Program
- Overview of Operating Requirements for Diversified Livestock Farms
- Alberta Elk and Deer Farming Industry Guidelines for Harvest Preserves
Resources
Additional information related to chronic wasting disease and the Cervid Farming System.
Contact
Connect with the Licensing Office:
Phone: 780-422-1472
Email: [email protected]