Some support is being offered by the Water Security Agency for farmers and ranchers experiencing drought conditions.
Rain in July was not a common occurrence, which has created a number of challenges for producers.
The announcement was made yesterday that the WSA will make water and vacant land available to support these farmers and ranchers who are dealing with the issues associated with drought.
"With the well below normal amounts of moisture in many areas across Saskatchewan our government is working hard to support our farmers and ranchers," said Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency Jeremy Cockrill. "WSA is looking to make water available to producers in areas experiencing drought conditions or allow ranchers to utilize vacant WSA-owned lands for feed supplies."
Since the WSA owns and manages agricultural lands across Saskatchewan for water management purposes, farmers and ranchers near WSA lands are encouraged to contact the agency to see if there are any underutilized or vacant lands that could be made available.
Monday's press release from the WSA said farmers and ranchers are also not required to obtain a water rights license when hauling water from a municipal supply, such as an RM tank load facility. If you own or occupy land near water like deep or shallow wells, springs, lakes, sloughs, streams, creeks, and rivers and want to use it for watering stock or spraying crops, no permit is needed.
"We recognize the serious challenges Saskatchewan producers are currently facing due to ongoing dry conditions in many areas," commented Minister of Agriculture, David Marit. "We're moving quickly at every level to investigate additional relief options such as this one by WSA, while our existing business risk management programs such as AgriInvest, AgriStability and AgriInsurance continue to be a primary line of defense for producers."
SCA Board Chair Keith Day said, "With deteriorating conditions due to prolonged drought, feed availability is a top priority for producers looking to maintain their herds. Any solutions that bring more feed online for livestock to access is welcome, and this is another option for those in need."
The WSA said it will also be prioritizing farmers' and ranchers' applications for licenses. Hauling water from a WSA reservoir or other provincial water supply typically requires a temporary water rights license. These applications will be prioritized and issued within 48 hours or less.
WSA encourages producers to contact their Client Service Centre at 1.866.727.5420 or via email at client.service@wsask.ca for more info on available water supplies in their area and/or to obtain a temporary water rights license.
The Ministry of Agriculture also has a team of extension specialists located in 10 regional offices across Saskatchewan to support producers with agronomic advice and program information. Producers can contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 to connect with a specialist.
-with notes from the WSA/press release