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Supplemental aid announced for livestock that died in spring snow storms in Saskatchewan

Jun 17, 2022 | 2:06 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — There will be additional support for Saskatchewan livestock producers who lost animals in April’s snowstorm.

The Saskatchewan government announced supplemental disaster aid for farmers who lost livestock but did not qualify under original disaster assistance.

The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) helps residents, small businesses, agricultural operations, First Nations, non-profit organizations, and communities recover from natural disasters

Saskatchewan PDAP director Noel McAvena said the extension was made because certain restrictions are tied to federal definitions. He said it is entirely reasonable for an operation that has a mixed livestock and grain farming operation to exceed the $2-million cap.

“This new program expands that definition to allow us to provide assistance to agricultural operations who earn more than $2 million in gross revenue in a year,” McAvena said.

McAvena said to date PDAP has received a little over 100 applications related to the spring storms. The claim tends to average around $8,000 but it varies depending on the individual circumstances.

He said the program pays 95 per cent of market price for livestock that died.

“We provide support for the actual market value of the lost livestock the claimant is responsible for the initial five per cent of the loss,” he said.

To receive assistance through the PDAP program the local municipality has to indicate a disaster has happened.

Claimants have six months from the date of the disaster to apply.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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