Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program

Overview

The Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program is a legislated program, deriving its authority from the Feeder Associations Guarantee Act and its associated Regulation.

Since its inception during the Great Depression in 1936, the program has provided capital to farmers for the feeding of cattle through relatively easy access to low interest, leveraged financing backed by a government guarantee.

• the program typically finances 17% to 24% of the calf crop each year, providing a significant portion of the lending requirement of the industry

Eligibility

To be eligible for financing under the Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program, an individual must be a farmer who is at least 18 years old, resides in Alberta and owns or leases land.

Eligible individuals must also be approved by a local feeder association. Contact your local feeder association for more information.

Provincial role

The Provincial Supervisor manages the program. There are inspectors who are assigned to specific local associations. These inspectors are trained in inspection procedures that are designed to minimize risk and to protect association members, the lenders and the government guarantee.

The Manual of Directives and Procedures (PDF, 2.8 MB) provides specific instructions to associations and staff regarding proper risk management practices. Government of Alberta staff work closely with the provincial umbrella organization (Feeder Associations of Alberta Limited) in developing and enforcing proper risk management policies and procedures.