
Livestock Financing
Last Update: July 10, 2025
Canada
Financing to purchase livestock
Livestock Financing at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
Financing Type
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Grant Providers
- Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
- Government of Canada
Status
Open
Overview of the Livestock Financing program
Get credit at a livestock alliance partner supplier to purchase cattle.
Financing terms and conditions
- Minimum 10% deposit or down payment required for feeder cattle financing.
- Minimum 15% down payment required for a 3-year term for breeding livestock.
- Minimum 20% down payment required for a 5-year term for breeding livestock.
Eligible projects & activities
- Financing the purchase of feeder cattle, including steers and heifers.
- Financing the purchase of breeding livestock, such as heifers, cows, and bulls.
- Supporting herd growth and stability through livestock acquisition programs.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 45,000
Purchase 25 Angus cows for beef production
$ 52,500
Procure 35 Hereford heifers for organic beef production
$ 50,000
Acquire 30 Limousin cattle for genetic improvement project
$ 60,000
Acquire 50 new Holstein cows for dairy production expansion
$ 55,000
Buy 40 Jersey cows for enhanced dairy farming
$ 40,000
Procure 20 Simmental bulls for breeding enhancement
Eligibility criteria of the Livestock Financing program
- The applicant must be a producer of feeder cattle or breeding livestock.
- Financing must be arranged through a participating livestock partner across Canada.
- Applicants must be seeking financing for the purchase of livestock such as steers, heifers, cows, or bulls.
Who is eligible?
- Feeder cattle producers
- Breeding livestock producers (heifers, cows, bulls)
- Cattle producers seeking to purchase and finance livestock
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of feeder cattle
- Purchase of breeding livestock, including heifers, cows, and bulls
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada (nationwide)
How to apply to the Livestock Financing program
1
Connect with Livestock Partner
- Identify and contact a participating livestock partner through FCC's network.
- Discuss your needs and gather information on the available financing options.
2
Consultation and Pre-approval
- Meet with the livestock partner to review your business's financial status and the requirements for financing.
- Work with the partner to establish a customized pre-approved lending limit based on your needs.
3
Prepare Documentation
- Compile necessary documents, which may include financial statements, livestock inventory lists, and business plans.
- Ensure all necessary documentation is complete and current.
4
Application Submission
- Submit the completed application along with all required documents through the designated process of the livestock partner.
- Ensure that all details are accurate and deadlines are met.
5
Application Review
- The livestock partner, in conjunction with FCC, reviews your application for eligibility and completeness.
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
6
Approval and Agreement
- If approved, review the financing terms and conditions outlined by FCC and the livestock partner.
- Sign the financing agreement to finalize the loan terms.
7
Funds Disbursement
- Receive the funds as per the agreement terms, either through direct payment to sellers or into your business account.
- Use the funds to purchase livestock as needed.
Additional information
- Flexible, customized pre-approved lending limits are available.
- Work directly with livestock partners who understand industry needs.
- No prepayment penalties apply to the financing obtained.
- Additional programs, such as the Heifer Replacement Program, may be available to support herd stability and growth.
Apply to this program

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