The fed-cattle program will pay farmers the cost of their feed for each slaughter animal they hold back from market for 90 to 120 days.

But the average weight of the animals must be 1,300 lb. (or 1,200 lb. for heifers). Beef must all be Grade A and the smallest lot size accepted is 20 head.

Farmers have to register with OMAF and get an identification number to enter a reverse auction, in which they bid on how much they can feed their cattle for that week. The government takes the lowest bidders.

The feeder cattle program pays farmers $200 for each 2004 calf kept off the market until September 2005. But the calf can’t be slaughtered until 2006.

The details of the program and other mad cow related issues will be discussed at a Merrickille meeting, west of Kemptville, Wed. Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Merrickville Community Centre.

Guest speakers include Ontario Cattlemen’s Association president Ron Woodissee.

The Ontario government will set aside $30 million to pay for these programs.