Fences have been cut and gates opened in B.C., and ranchers are hoping their cattle's natural instincts will save them from the raging forest fires.

Cattle often spread out over thousands of acres of land when grazing, so it's difficult to round them up. Access to some pastures is blocked due to the fire, so getting livestock out has been a challenge.

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, says B.C. has not yet asked for help with the evacuation, but they have been in contact with the B.C. Government.

"But of course, as always, when you loose stuff it's very hard to get compensated. People think their farmers are compensated, but you're never fully compensated when you loose stuff; it's tough."

He adds, this is why business risk management programs are so important, and this is an area where they come into play.

 

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