Ranchers in Alberta are being offered a support program to help them feed and care for their livestock.

It's just been announced that they can apply for up to $200 per head through a program providing funds up to $340 million.

Payments are expected to flow as soon as the applications come in, with direct deposit recipients receiving payments towards the end of the month.

Devin Dreeshen, the minister of agriculture and forestry for the province, says the dry conditions lately have been causing additional stress and that this program is meant to provide some relief.

"Alberta’s livestock producers have experienced exceedingly dry conditions for months, putting additional stress on the very Albertans who feed Canadian families. Alberta’s government is proud to support the delivery of up to $340 million in much-needed relief to help our livestock producers make it through this difficult season."

For cattle and bison, $94 per head is available for an initial payment, with $106 for the second payment.

Those who have experienced extraordinary costs due to the drought will have access to that secondary payment through a feed-need approach supplemented by receipts.

Per head payments will be different for other livestock.

The Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) is administering the program, and an AFSC Connect account is needed in order to participate in the program.