In Red Deer County, a ditch-grazing program offers extra feed for cattle when pastures dry up, but almost all local ranchers remain reluctant to use it. In July, Red Deer County council approved roadside grazing along its municipal roads to help farmers handle potential drought conditions. Jordon Smith, Red Deer County's assistant agricultural services manager, said council brought the program back because conditions were extremely dry coming out of winter. Jordon Smith, Red Deer County's assistant agricultural services manager, said the roadside grazing program allows cattle producers to access otherwise unused ditch grass for additional feed. Smith noted that roadside haying – where farmers cut ditch grass with equipment to feed cattle – draws about four to five regular users annually.