By Alice McFarlane

Stock Growers want the Saskatchewan government to beef up drought aid

Jul 13, 2023 | 4:48 PM

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) said more needs to be done to assist livestock producers facing extreme drought conditions across the province.

SSGA President Garner Deobald said this year started with more optimism, but in drought-impacted areas across the province, forage crops and pastures are in worse shape than in 2022.

The Federal and Saskatchewan Governments announced on Wednesday an increase to low yield appraisal through Saskatchewan Crop Insurance. Deobald said it was a good first step in making additional feed available but more needs to be done.

“Since early June, the drought has continued to expand in size and severity, especially in areas that have experienced multiple years of well-below-average precipitation, which is triggering drought-related pest infestations. Producers are rushing to harvest what little forage has grown before grasshoppers eat it,” Deobald said.

With the goal of providing livestock producers with the resources they need, SSGA is submitting an enhanced drought-survival proposal to the federal and provincial governments this week, which includes the recommendation for an immediate AgriRecovery assessment, according to Deobald.

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“Our board reviews existing policy and programs that can be adapted, as a standard practice,” Deobald said. “We continue to have confidence in our governments as partners. When we call, they listen to understand our needs. We work together to create actionable solutions.”

SSGA said additional measures are needed to help producers survive the ongoing disaster while providing opportunities for recovery.

This includes an increase in the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) cost share to 75 per cent similar to what the government delivered in 2021, a decrease gross farm income eligibility requirement to $10,000, funding offsite watering systems without the requirement for dugout expansion or riparian protection, and include water pumping and water hauling as eligible expenses.

SSGA would also like to see additional technical support provided for the planning and construction of water projects, expedite the regulatory approval process for FRWIP projects, pay the government portion directly to contractors, and provide funding for temporary fencing for the grazing of unharvestable crops.

Regarding Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC), SSGA would like assessment and adjustments done on a regional basis, ensure grain producers’ inclusion for borderline yields, adjust the guaranteed base price to reflect current market prices, and adjust Forage Rainfall Insurance Program coverage to 2022 levels.

In terms of financial management and cash flow, SSGA would like producers to make AgriInvest withdrawals tax-free, provide AgriStability advance interim payments, offer long-term and low-interest loans to cover expenses incurred due to the drought and help rebuild, and extend the Crown Grazing Lease Rental Reduction Program as well as the grazing fee freeze for the 2024 grazing season.

SSGA would like to see payments extended on Farm Credit Canada (FCC) loans and lines of credit, Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) and Advanced Payments.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW