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Fish vs. Feed: B.C. Rancher's $100K Dilemma
31 Jul
Summary
- Rancher anticipates over $100,000 in feed costs due to irrigation cutoff.
- Water restrictions aim to protect vulnerable Chinook salmon populations.
- B.C. government urged to compensate producers impacted by water bans.
A fifth-generation cattle ranch south of Salmon Arm, B.C., anticipates over $100,000 in additional feed costs due to emergency water restrictions. The B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship issued a temporary protection order on July 31, 2026, citing critically low streamflows threatening Chinook salmon.
Trudy Schweb, co-owner of Schweb Family Cattle, stated the sudden irrigation cutoff for 160 acres of forage crops will be devastating. With pastures drying, her family is moving cattle prematurely, facing immense feed expenses and potential crop loss to grasshoppers. This order forces producers to bear the cost of the environmental crisis.
Fisheries experts emphasize the necessity of the order, noting exceptionally dry conditions and historically low streamflows in the Salmon River. Senior fisheries biologist Elinor McGrath highlighted the vulnerability of large Chinook salmon to reduced water depth. The B.C. Cattlemen's Association suggests long-term solutions like water storage infrastructure.
B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Randene Neill acknowledged producers' efforts and pledged improved planning for sustainable water management. She mentioned existing support programs and investments in water infrastructure, aiming to prevent future crises for both agriculture and river ecosystems.
