The problem’s been building for years and provincial authorities are trying to change that.

Livestock producers are a sturdy lot enduring the ups and downs of commodity prices, costs for buildings, heating, cooling and hydro, inputs and fertilizer for crops and the time, effort and vigilance of raising hogs, poultry or cattle, among others. In spite of these demands -and contrary to what many outside of agriculture insist -producers do care about the welfare of their animals.

Inevitably however, animals die prematurely, either during birthing or as a result of disease or an unfortunate accident. This can affect a producer in many ways, including financially, where disposing of deadstock is either an added cost or another management practice on their list. A more-recent concern that’s emerged is the reduced number of deadstock facilities across Ontario coupled with increased regulatory hurdles and a decrease in the number of options available for deadstock use. That makes it harder on those operating deadstock processing outlets, although there are opportunities for producers, courtesy of the provincial government and the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC).

According to Factsheet #23-069, distributed in October 2023 by what was then the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (now the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness), disposal and management measures are outlined in the Nutrient Management Act, 2002. Under Ontario Regulation 106/09, standards have been designed to protect the food supply and the environment, and pertain to collector services, delivery to various approved or licensed facilities. The regulation also outlines specific on-farm measures such as composting, incineration, disposal vessels or burial.

The documents contain a wealth of information, including several factors to consider when deciding on disposal options.

• What is the size of the animal?
  What is typical for the number of deaths at any time of year?
• What are the costs of pick-up?
• What are the costs associated with each option (incineration versus a disposal vessel)?
• Is there cold storage or freezer capacity available for storing deadstock?

The challenge is to ensure all requirements are met. For instance, home-made incinerators, disposal vessels and burial sites must be in accordance with environmental standards against seepage or contamination of groundwater. It takes an added level of planning, including financial considerations, before making a final decision.

Producer assistance

The good news where this issue is concerned is the Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative, available through the AAC and the federal Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). This initiative, with $1.5 million in funding, is available to primary producers, new or existing deadstock service providers, commodity associations, commercial operations (such meat processors), waste management companies and municipalities.

The intake is now open and will close March 15, 2025, or when funding has been fully allocated.

Approved applicants could receive up to 40% of total eligible costs, to a maximum of $100,00 per project, and can be approved for a maximum of three projects, for a maximum of $300,000. Eligibility for livestock producers could include costs to establish on-site facilities to handle or store deadstock efficiently and securely. Some of those options are:

• The purchase or construction of a management system for deadstock (e.g., composter, incinerator, digester, in-ground vessel and related run-off management equipment and systems. Note that some of these systems are subject to regulatory requirements and restrictions);
• New construction or modifications to buildings that facilitate handling, storage or removal of deadstock, or to securely store deadstock to prevent access or scavenging by wildlife;
• New freezer or cooler systems for temporary storage;
• Waste management bins to accept non-bovine deadstock at municipal landfills;
• Technology that allows for improved and/or increased deadstock collection and disposal capacity (e.g., software, logistics, inventory/traceability management and biosecurity measures, among others).

The list of ineligible costs and activities is extensive, as are many of the eligibility requirements, such as being located in Ontario, being the primary point of contact with the AAC and being involved in deadstock collection in Ontario. Deadstock service providers must be licensed and in compliance with the regulations at the time of application to the funding program.

In the changing world of regulatory requirements, it’s good to know there are those with the required expertise to adapt to those changes and succeed. If you’re interested in the Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative, contact the professionals at Elite Agri Solutions, for their help in guiding you through this process. Call 519 – 953 – 4479.