Feedlot operation problems from floods in southern Alberta: a Canadian case study

Abstract

In the summer of 2005, southern Alberta received the heaviest precipitation in the region's history. Heavy and persistent rains during June and September triggered heavy flooding in Oldman River basin, the principal source of water used in nine of thirteen irrigation districts of southern Alberta. In the fall of 2005, a flood impact survey of feedlot farm families was conducted in the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District (LNID). The objectives of the survey were to determine the types of feedlot operation problems the farm families encountered during the flooding, their responses to the immediate problems, and their plans to reduce future risks. The analyses revealed that most experienced major flood-related problems on their farm operations. For instance, 97% reported problems associated with feedlot and flood runoff management, animal health and performance, and damages to feed and storage facilities. To reduce the effects of excess contaminated water, a vast majority (85%) of respondents reported that they sprayed contaminated floodwater onto their cropland. A majority (82%) of the respondents treated their sick animals themselves and 39% said that they have no future flood risk reduction plans for their farm operations. However, the majority of them do have plans for reducing the impacts of future floods, to protect the water quality, the health of their animals and their livelihood.