Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Alberta producers, answered clearly.
Find quick answers about financing & eligibility, loans & protection, purchasing & selling, and membership with Foothills Livestock Co-op.
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Quick Answers
24 Questions Answered
Financing, eligibility, loans, purchasing, selling & membership — the most common questions from producers, answered in plain language.
Financing & Eligibility
We offer livestock financing for bred cows/heifers, cow/calf pairs, replacement heifers & feeder cattle.
Individuals must be Canadian citizens who reside in any of the 3 Western Canada Provinces (Alberta, BC or Saskatchewan), at least 18 years old & own land or have a co-applicant who does.
Yes, we require 10% Security Deposit on Feeder Loans & 15% Security Deposit on Breeder Loans.
No, we only finance cattle.
Interest rates are reviewed monthly & based off of the CIBC prime rates (Feeders +0.5%, Breeders +1.0% for variable loans). Please call the office for updated information.
No, we only have an interest in the cattle.
We lend anywhere from $5,000 to $3M based on your financials & approval.
Loans & Protection
Feeder Loans are 365 days. Breeder Loans you have an option of 3–5 years, with your annual payment due December 1.
No, there is no penalty at all for early payouts. In fact, we encourage you to pay your loan out early if you have the financial means, to save interest.
We offer a Group Protection Plan (GPP) that is mandatory for all loans. With Breeder accounts you have the option to choose Full Mortality or Accidental & with Feeder Accounts there is Full Mortality Protection. There is criteria that needs to be met & after the paperwork is complete & the deductible is paid, you can receive payment for your animal/s that have died.
Cows are financed at 75% of the total loan. Calves are financed at 25% of the total loan. The cow portion of the loan is an interest only payment for the first year with the first principal payment being made the following year. It is a 5 year term contract for the cow loan’s principal payment but is actually 6 years when the interest only portion is factored in. The calf portion is setup as a feeder loan & is due December 1 of the current year unless the calves are sold prior to the due date, then the calf portion must be paid out. If you wish to retain the calves at this time, the calves can be written (rolled) on to a new feeder contract.
Purchasing, Selling & Branding
Yes, feeder animals are based off of the current market prices via canfax. Breeder animals are all capped & this rate can change monthly. You are best to call our office for more details.
Yes, however if you have overage (spend over the limit), you must pay for this out of your own pocket.
Yes, you must brand all of your animals on contract with your designated Foothills Livestock Brand & any animals that are being used as security.
You can purchase cattle from auction marts as well as by private treaty & approved buyers.
The Member MUST have a Purchase Order from Foothills Livestock Co-op as well as their Security Deposit in place with FLC prior to purchasing any cattle.
Notice must be given to Foothills Livestock Co-op prior to the sale of livestock — especially if you would like to give special instructions or need profit chqs. When cattle are sold they must be manifested to Foothills Livestock Co-op on account of member. For Breeder Loans, the yearly fall payment is payable immediately at the time calves are sold.
Membership & About Foothills
We have a $200 lifetime non-refundable Membership fee. One time administration fee of $75. Personal Account set-up fee is $125 OR a Corporate Account setup fee is $375. $12/hd Administration Charge.
The Fieldmen make arrangements with the Members to come out to their property to ensure they have sufficient water, feed & safe conditions to thrive in. They also come out to your farm & view the animals after they have been purchased & to make sure they have been branded appropriately.
Our lending provider is FCC.
The FLC has been in business since 1996.
FLC uses only the Cattle & Security Deposit as collateral for loan rather than holding land as security. They also do not dictate where you buy & sell your cattle.
Our Motto is “Farmers helping Farmers”.
We do not have a call center. Every time you call our office you will be greeted by our friendly & professional staff to help assist your needs.
Still have questions?
The Foothills team is ready to help. Call during business hours for the fastest answer.
