The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association is calling on the province and federal government to do more to meet the needs of drought-affected livestock producers.
With the extreme drought conditions across the province, producers are feeling the impact from a poor hay crop in some areas limiting feed supplies, to pastures and water supplies drying up.
The hot, dry, windy conditions are making an already tough situation even worse, and with temperatures next week to be 30 plus it's becoming a critical situation.
SSGA President Garner Deobald says this year started with more optimism, but in drought-impacted areas across the province, forage crops and pastures are worse than in 2022.
He says the recent crop insurance announcement regarding the increase to low yield appraisal is a good first step that will help make additional feed available; however, additional assistance is still required.
"Since early June, the drought has continued to expand in size and severity-especially in areas that have experienced multiple years of well-below average precipitation, which is triggering drought-related pest infestations. Producers are rushing to harvest what little forage has grown before grasshoppers eat it,"
He notes they've submitted an enhanced drought-survival proposal to both levels of government with ideas on how they can help producers. including an immediate AgriRecovery assessment.
To hear Glenda-Lee's conversation with Saskatchewan Stock Growers President Garner Deobald click on the link below.
Recommendations for the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP)
1. Increase FRWIP cost share to 75 per cent-similar to what government did in 2021;
2. Decrease gross farm income eligibility requirement to $10,000;
3. Fund offsite watering systems without requirement for dugout expansion or riparian protection;
4. Include water pumping and water hauling as eligible expenses;
5. Provide additional technical support for planning and construction of water projects;
6. Expedite the regulatory approval process for FRWIP projects;
7. Pay government portion to contractors, directly; and
8. Provide funding for temporary fencing to enable grazing of unharvestable crops.
Suggestions for the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC)
1. Expedite assessment and adjustment on a regional basis;
2. Ensure grain producers inclusion for borderline yields;
3. Adjust guaranteed base price to reflect current market prices; and
4. Adjust Forage Rainfall Insurance Program coverage to 2022 levels.
Proposed changes to help producers with Financial Management and Cash Flow
1. Allow producers to make AgriInvest withdrawals tax-free;
2. Provide AgriStability advance interim payments;
3. Offer long-term, low-interest loans to cover expenses incurred due to the drought and to help rebuild;
4. Extend the Crown Grazing Lease Rental Reduction Program and grazing fee freeze for the 2024 grazing season;
5. Extend payments on Farm Credit Canada (FCC) loans and lines of credit, Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) and Advanced Payments Program (APP) cash advances; and
6. Work with financial institutions to support agriculture producers during these difficult times.
The impact of the drought on the prairies is expected to be a key topic of conversation during the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Agriculture Minister's Conference this week in Fredericton.