RDBN Emergency Hay Program 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COMMERCIAL LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS

Regional District Bulkley Nechako Emergency Hay Program

The Regional District Bulkley Nechako (RDBN) has secured funding through Emergency Management BC (EMBC) to implement an emergency hay program for commercial livestock owners directly impacted by the wildfires within the Regional District Bulkley Nechako. The 2018 emergency hay program is meant to provide for up to 14 days of hay for commercial livestock producers in a situation where they cannot use their normal forage supply due to wildfire and related activities; extensions may be considered. 

The coordination of the supply and hauling of hay for emergency reprieve in this area is being coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture on behalf of RDBN.

Eligibility for emergency hay program:

The livestock operation must be a commercial livestock-based farm business.  Farm business operations are defined by the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act as business operations where there is a reasonable expectation of income based on sales of commercial livestock.

Applies in cases where:

• The current forage (pasture or range) has burned and there are no alternative forage sources available or,
• Livestock have been sheltered in place at the home ranch (or other land held by livestock owner) and are consuming winter forage supply, and/or are housed on hay fields.

The farm business must request assistance, agree to the conditions of the program (will be covered when completing an application form), and stay in contact with program staff.

This program is distinct from the livestock relocation program and does not apply to animals that are being supported through the relocation program; livestock support can be through one program or the other but not both at the same time.

Hay provided through this program is not intended to be stockpiled; it is to be utilized as an immediate two week supply for the commercial livestock producers impacted. The intent of this program is to give the producers more time to find alternatives without depleting their fall/winter hay; producers are encouraged to begin planning for fall/winter as soon as possible. 

How to Apply:

• RDBN’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) (250-692-3195 or 1-800-320-3339) and ask for the agriculture desk.
• Alternate contacts include the Ministry of Agriculture at 250-614-7498 or by email to Emergency.Management.Interior@gov.bc.ca and list “RDBN Hay” in the subject line.