By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan livestock producers getting support from provincial government

Aug 21, 2023 | 3:24 PM

The Saskatchewan Government will make up to $70 million available to help offset extraordinary costs of feeding livestock to maintain the breeding herd in the province.

Producers in some areas are dealing with prolonged drought, particularly in western Saskatchewan. Precipitation has remained well below normal, contributing to a substantial moisture deficit and hindering recovery of pasture and forage ranges.

Provincial funding will be available based on receipts or appropriate documentation for extraordinary expenses for the purchase of feed or transportation of feed or livestock, to provide cash flow to eligible producers impacted by significant drought.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said the province continues to work with the federal government to jointly examine how AgriRecovery could help respond.

“Immediate measures are needed as farmers and ranchers deal with significant challenges due to drought,” Marit said. “Our government is committed to ensuring livestock producers have the support they need, as they continue to provide the high-quality food Saskatchewan families rely on.”

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Saskatchewan’s funding will provide eligible producers with up to $80 per head to maintain breeding stock for beef cattle, bison, horse, elk, deer, sheep, and goats. The program will be administered by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC).

Other supports have been implemented to help mitigate the situation. The Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada have agreed to increase the 2023 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50 per cent to 75 per cent, so producers can access a larger portion of their final AgriStability benefit early.

The AgriStability compensation rate also recently increased from 70 to 80 per cent. In July, the federal and provincial governments announced SCIC was doubling the low yield appraisal threshold values to allow additional acres of cereal, pulse, canola, and flax crops to be diverted to feed.

Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Board Chair Keith Day said the support is welcomed.

“We appreciate the province stepping up and providing their portion of the AgriRecovery payment,” Day said. “We look forward to a similar announcement from the federal government to provide their funding to ensure our producers get the help they need through these challenging times.”

Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) President Ray Orb said the province stepped up quickly to assist those livestock producers most in need.

“We are confident that the federal government is working together with the province to assess how they can provide additional support through AgriRecovery and look forward to seeing what that much-needed assistance will be,” Orb said.

Saskatchewan has also frozen the 2023 rate charged to producers who lease Crown grazing land. Additionally, through the 2023 Crown Grazing Lease Rental Reduction Program, lessees may be eligible for a rent reduction due to the impact of drought.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW