By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan farm groups lays groundwork for drought response

Jul 14, 2021 | 9:52 AM

MELFORT, Sask. — Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has outlined a strategy to help producers cope with current drought conditions.

APAS is calling on both the federal and provincial governments to initiate a drought related AgriRecovery assessment.

“We can’t just keep hoping for rain. It is time to act,” said APAS president, Todd Lewis.

APAS has requested that both levels of government extend the enrollment period for AgriStability, plus increase AgriStability coverage levels.

The groups also asked governments to assist with water supplies and water quality management and create a provincial drought committee of government and industry representatives to monitor drought conditions and oversee assistance measures.

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Lewis said they want to see the entire province designated as eligible for the federal Livestock Tax Deferral program.

“This program is very important to producers that need to sell a large portion of their herds because of feed and water shortages. The designation needs to come now, and the federal government should make calves eligible through the deferral program as well.” Lewis said.

APAS would like Saskatchewan Crop Insurance to help expedite the conversion of drought-damaged crops into livestock feed such as green feed, silage, or grazing.

“Producers across the province are under considerable stress,” said Lewis. “The government can’t make it rain, but there are concrete actions they can take to alleviate some of the burdens producers are dealing with.”

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW