The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) are calling for the immediate introduction of back to work legislation following the work stoppage at Canadian Pacific Railway (CP Rail) on March 20, 2022.
Western Canadian cattle producers are dependent on feed shipments from the United States (U.S.) due to the hard-hitting drought producers faced last year from British Columbia through to Ontario. A disruption in shipments of feed grain from the U.S. will significantly impact the ability of beef producers to feed their cattle. Prior issues with rail and transportation have already reduced feed availability, and feeders have been managing their needs on a train-by-train basis. There is no buffer in the system.
“We cannot wait for the parties to reach an agreement, if trains do not continue running, we will run out of feed for our animals in one to two weeks,” states Bob Lowe, CCA President. “There is no time to waste, we need the back to work legislation introduced immediately to avoid an animal care disaster.”
“This rail stoppage is very concerning for Canada’s cattle feeders,” says James Bekkering, NCFA Chair. “With a feed supply of only one to two weeks, any stoppage will put us behind and then the time it will take for trains to get up and running, we need trains moving again as soon as possible.”