Grain and livestock producers facing drought conditions are being encouraged to work together through SCIC's double low yield appraisal process.
Under the program, low-yielding eligible crops can be used for grazing, baling, or silage.
Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross says many cattle producers throughout the province are facing potential feed shortages.
"The recent rains may help with some of the later-seeded crops and possibly pasture rebound in some areas. Unfortunately, the hay crop was already burnt off in several places. Writing off some crops through doubling the low yield threshold will provide cattle producers an option for feeding their animals they didn't previously have."
Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Jeff Yorga says producers are struggling with drought conditions trying to assess and adjust crop and feed requirements.
"This action taken helps our producers make those important decisions in a timely fashion. As we move forward, I strongly encourage producers to directly connect with each other to coordinate access to any additional feed made available through this change."
When crops are severely damaged and the appraised yield falls below an established threshold level, the yield is reduced to zero for the Crop Insurance claim.
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says he's spoken with livestock and crop producers in Saskatchewan who are worried about the impact that dry conditions could have this year.
"Changing the yield threshold will give them some breathing room," he says, "so they (producers) can make the best decisions for their operations."
Farners are reminded that they should contact their SCIC office before putting the damaged crops to an approved alternate use.
SCIC is doubling the low yield appraisal threshold values, allowing customers to salvage their eligible crops as feed, without negatively impacting future individual coverage.
Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison says in 2021 and 2023, this same initiative was successfully implemented, resulting in over half a million acres of additional low yield crop redirected to feed.
All qualifying acres for double low yield appraisals must be diverted to livestock feed and cannot be left to harvest.
SARM President Bill Huber says, as in past years, the move will help address the feed shortages that many ranchers are experiencing. "Timely support like this is critical to ensuring the sustainability of the sector in this province.”
APAS President Bill Prybylski says swift action from the government has provided a vital lifeline to many Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers amid this year’s early challenges.