It would be both a costly and logistical nightmare but Canadian cattleman say they are exploring other ways to get their animals to market.

With the ongoing closure of the XL Foods plant in Brooks because of an E. coli outbreak and no word when the facility will re-open, ranchers are examining what they call a “Plan B”.

The past President of the Canadian Cattleman’s Association, says producers are growing more and more frustrated about the no end in sight closure of Lakeside Packers.

Travis Toews says producers would prefer to have their animals processed here but do have other options.  “Clearly if these cattle have to go to the U-S, there is a cost involved, there is a freight cost involved, and because of Country of Origin labelling, there is a logistical challenge.”

Towes says the industry is also looking at adding another processing shift at the Cargill plant in High River.

He adds the shutdown of XL Foods in brooks is having a real trickle down negative effect on the cattle industry.