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Flooded out Ranchers get aid to feed cattle

Nov 12, 2010 | 6:57 AM

paNOW Stafff

Saskatchewan ranchers hit hard by flooding this year will get help to feed their livestock over the winter.

The Saskatchewan Feed and Forage program will allow cattlemen to apply for financial support to bring in feed or move livestock to other locations for feeding or grazing.

The program will also provide $30 per acre to ranchers so they can reseed their forage and pasture land.

“One of the asks that we had (from) producers is that they’ve had pasture drowned out or forage land drowned out so what we’re doing is helping them reseed those acres,” said agriculture minister, Bob Bjornerud.

Jack Hextall, chairman of the Saskatchewan Cattleman's Association said the program will really help farmers in the northeast.

“You know when you get well over 40 inches of rainfall you can’t help but have issues – and I think the concern is that there are some there who weren’t able to get feed put up for the winter.” said Hextall.

David Marit, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities was pleased the province is recognizing the difficulties some livestock producers are facing.

“This program will help those producers facing feed shortages and also help them re-establish their hay and pasture land for future years,” he said in a news release.

bbosker@panow.com