Some Alberta cattle producers say a feed shortage has reached a crisis situation on the Prairies.

The Alberta Cattle Feeders Association says several large feedlots, housing anywhere from 20-thousand to 40-thousand head of cattle, have indicated they could run out of food within days.

The industry says the effects of last season's drought have been worsened by delays in rail shipments of corn due to labour shortages, cold weather and other supply chain challenges.

Alberta feedlot operator Leighton Kolk says he's been waiting for a train to arrive since Tuesday and faces a dire situation if his corn shipment doesn't arrive by tomorrow. (The Canadian Press)