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Alberta allowing livestock to graze on public land during drought

EDMONTON — The Alberta government is opening public land to producers who are struggling to feed their animals.

EDMONTON — The Alberta government is opening public land to producers who are struggling to feed their animals.

Livestock will be allowed to graze on Crown land during the dry conditions that have caused a shortage of hay and other forage crops.

The government says the decision was made following a request from the Alberta Beef Producers.

Farmers in areas hard hit by drought are encouraged to work with others who hold agriculture leases on public land.

If more animals can be supported on that land or on vacant land, producers will be able to apply to the Agriculture Department for temporary grazing rights.

The government will review the requests on a case-by-case basis.

Drought, hail damage and a cool growing season have left many farmers wondering whether to sell their herds because of the high cost of feed.