Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program Increased

Alberta’s government has announced a major increase to the lending limit on its successful Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program (FALGP), a move poised to energize the province’s rural economy and ensure Alberta remains a global leader in premium beef production.

For decades, Alberta’s feeder associations (cooperative groups of livestock producers) have played a crucial role in helping local farmers and ranchers access affordable financing. Through the FALGP, these producer-run cooperatives can secure low-interest loans to purchase young cattle, which are then fed and raised for market. Backed by a government guarantee, the program has long been a cornerstone of agricultural stability and growth in the province.

The program’s previous lending limit of $150 million has now been maxed out, a clear sign of its effectiveness and the ambition of Alberta’s livestock sector. Recognizing this momentum, Alberta’s government is raising the cap to $225 million overall.

The increase isn’t just about economics. In many rural communities, feeder associations are community anchors, supporting local jobs, passing on knowledge across generations, and ensuring that family-run farms continue to thrive in a changing world.

With higher beef prices creating both opportunity and pressure, the expanded program will offer producers more flexibility to invest in their herds, diversify operations, and strengthen supply chains.

For more information on the program, click here.