AFAC TERM CARE AGREEMENT FOR LIVESTOCK

A template for livestock producers wishing to assign the care
& feeding of their livestock to another party
through a contractual agreement

AFAC - Term Care Agreement form
Alberta Agriculture - Negotiating Cow Lease Arrangements

Background

It is not uncommon for some producers to lease grazing land or enter into a feeding arrangement with another party up to 1,500 km from their base of operations. These great distances make regular visits to view the animals almost impossible.

AFAC's livestock care ALERT Line received calls regarding incidents of livestock herds that had been lease-arranged into the care of another party. These arrangements are usually initiated in the fall and could be considered long-term (lasting several months - into the calving and grazing season).

Through the calls it became apparent that in each incident a contract was either non-existent or insufficient to protect the parties involved regarding proper care of the animals. The arrangements failed to adequately supply unconditional protection for the animals in the herd. AFAC recognized these calls were representative of a larger existing problem.

AFAC prepared a Term Care Agreement for Livestock that serves the following purposes:

1. To recognize the unique requirements of a 'Term Care' arrangement between two parties for the care of a herd of animals over an extended period of time.
2. To supply a template for a contract (not an actual legal document) that would include reference to the specifics of the care of the animals in the herd for the duration of the agreement.
3. To supply a document to both parties that explains the responsibilities, legislation, and Recommended Codes of Practice that envelope a 'Term Care Agreement' serving a herd of livestock.
4. To further fulfill AFAC's mandate to serve the livestock industry and protect its membership and all livestock animals in the province from undue stress and harm.

Action Plan

Tim O'Byrne, Calico Beef Consulting drafted the agreement. Graham Gilchrist, P.Ag. Business Risk Management with AAF, was contacted and his work into lease arrangements was sourced. Bill Grabowsky, formerly with AAF, was also consulted.

Several excellent documents were perused including templates from Dexcel (dairy); BC Ministry of Food and Agriculture; Midwest Plan Service (Iowa State University); Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development; Crop Development Branch, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization; and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Resources:

• Term Care Agreement for Livestock form
• Negotiating Cow Lease Arrangements book - Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development
• Or email AFAC