Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is calling on the federal and provincial governments to take additional action to assist livestock producers facing extreme drought conditions across the province.
“SSGA’s board and members welcome this week’s announcement regarding the increase to low yield appraisal. It describes some good first steps that will help make additional feed available; however, additional assistance is still required,” said Garner Deobald, SSGA President.
He says this year started with more optimism, but in drought-impacted areas across the province, forage crops and pastures are worse than in 2022.
“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,” Deobald stated.
With the goal of providing livestock producers the vital resources they need to endure this dangerous time, SSGA is submitting an enhanced drought-survival proposal to the federal and provincial governments this week, which includes the recommendation for an immediate AgriRecovery assessment.
“Our board reviews existing policy and programs that can be adapted, as a standard practice,” Deobald affirmed. “We continue to have confidence in our governments as partners. When we call, they listen to understand our needs. We work together to create actionable solutions.”
SSGA is petitioning the governments for the following additional measures to help producers survive the ongoing disaster, while providing opportunities for recovery. Here’s how:
Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP)
Increase FRWIP cost share to 75 per cent―similar to what government did in 2021;
Decrease gross farm income eligibility requirement to $10,000;
Fund offsite watering systems without requirement for dugout expansion or riparian protection;
Include water pumping and water hauling as eligible expenses;
Provide additional technical support for planning and construction of water projects;
Expedite the regulatory approval process for FRWIP projects;
Pay government portion to contractors, directly; and
Provide funding for temporary fencing to enable grazing of unharvestable crops.
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC)
Expedite assessment and adjustment on a regional basis;
Ensure grain producers inclusion for borderline yields;
Adjust guaranteed base price to reflect current market prices; and
Adjust Forage Rainfall Insurance Program coverage to 2022 levels.
Financial Management and Cash Flow
Allow producers to make AgriInvest withdrawals tax-free;
Provide AgriStability advance interim payments;
Offer long-term, low-interest loans to cover expenses incurred due to the drought and to help rebuild;
Extend the Crown Grazing Lease Rental Reduction Program and grazing fee freeze for the 2024 grazing season;
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
Work with financial institutions to support agriculture producers during these difficult times.
With the extreme drought conditions present across the province, SSGA is also calling on the federal government to expedite the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision assessment process.
Combining great concern with great hope, Deobald concluded, “SSGA believes that our governments can and will do better to meet the progressive needs of drought-affected livestock producers in this province.”