(Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association/Facebook)

By CKOM News Staff

Sask. offers $70M in support for drought-stricken livestock producers

Aug 21, 2023 | 2:08 PM

The Government of Saskatchewan says help is on the way for ranchers and livestock producers devastated by drought conditions.

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

The provincial government said Saskatchewan is making $70 million in aid available “to help offset extraordinary costs of feeding livestock to maintain the breeding herd in Saskatchewan.”

According to the government, “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.”

The funding will provide up to $80 per head to eligible producers in order to maintain breeding stocks of cattle, bison, horses, elk, deer, sheep and goats, and will be coming “as soon as possible.”

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In addition, the provincial government said it is working with the federal government to jointly examine a potential response from AgriRecovery.

David Marit, Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister, said farmers are dealing with major challenges, and immediate help is needed.

“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,” Marit said in a statement.

“This support is promising, and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is thankful for how quickly the province stepped up to assist those livestock producers most in need, it will certainly help,” SARM president Ray Orb added in the same statement.

“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.”

The provincial government noted that other support has already been put in place, including boosting the 2023 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50 to 75 per cent through an agreement with Ottawa.

Keith Day, board chair for the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, said his group appreciates the extra help from the province.

“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,” Day said.