Farmers to get $320 per cull cow

OTTAWA — The federal government  announced Feb. 16 that it has changed the cull cow assistance program and will now give farmers a flat rate of $230 per cull cow over 30-months of age. Farmers have mixed feelings about it.

In the new program a beef farmer can claim for eight per cent of his total herd while a dairy farmer can claim 16 per cent. Producers are required to register their animals with their provincial delivery agent.

Commenting on the program, Ontario Cattlemen's Association executive member John Newman said farm groups are "not thrilled with the program but it's a plan that's better than nothing.

The federal government rejected the BSE task force plan, he said.

In the program, other ruminants effected by the border change will also receive compensation, says a Department of Agriculture news release. After the provincial share is added, the program will have $200 million.

The change in the method of compensation is designed to allow immediate and equal access to the funds.

The new program will men the provinces will fund 40 per cent of it.

Farm groups have asked that the province's portion be spent on more hook space. If accepted, the farmer's portion for each cull cow will be reduced by 40 per cent.