Foothills Livestock

Bred heifer financing can help eligible Canadian cattle producers purchase or maintain breeding livestock while managing the financial needs of their operation. Foothills Livestock provides breeder cattle financing for producers across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, with programs designed around bred heifers, young cows, and cow-calf pairs. The Breeders Division combines clear program expectations with direct office support.

Financing Designed for Breeding Operations

Building or maintaining a breeding herd requires access to suitable financing that reflects the needs of a cow-calf operation. Foothills Livestock offers financing for eligible breeder cattle, including bred heifers, young cows, and cow-calf pairs.

Approved producers can access financing of up to $1 million per yard, with a choice of three- or five-year terms. A 15% pooled security deposit is required, and there are no prepayment penalties. The yearly fall payment is due on December 1.

Who Can Apply?

The program is available to eligible producers purchasing or maintaining breeding cattle. The minimum financing requirement is five head or $5,000. Applicants must own land or have a co-applicant who does.

All financed cattle must carry the Foothills Livestock Co-op brand. This requirement forms part of the program structure and helps maintain clear identification of financed livestock.

Financing Options for Bred Heifers and Cow-Calf Pairs

Foothills Livestock structures its breeder financing around different types of breeding livestock. This includes individual bred heifers, young cows, and cow-calf pairs.

For cow-calf pair financing, the financed amount is divided between the cow and calf portions. The cow portion represents 75% of the financed amount and is interest-only during the first year, with the first principal payment beginning the following year. The calf portion represents 25% and is due December 1 of the current year unless the calves are sold earlier.

This structure provides producers with clear expectations around how the different portions of a cow-calf financing arrangement are handled.

Purchasing Through Auction Marts or Private Treaty

Eligible breeder cattle can be purchased through Auction Marts or by Private Treaty. Private Treaty purchases require a Certified Brand Inspection payable by the member. This gives eligible producers flexibility in how they source breeding livestock while following the program requirements.

Conclusion

For Canadian producers looking to purchase or maintain breeding livestock, Foothills Livestock offers a dedicated Breeders Division with financing for bred heifers, young cows, and cow-calf pairs. With financing of up to $1 million per yard, three- or five-year terms, defined program costs, and direct office support, the program is structured around the practical needs of breeding operations. Producers across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia can review the requirements, choose the appropriate application, and contact Foothills Livestock to discuss their financing needs.