Saskatchewan agriculture minister Daryl Harrison said governments had to quickly adapt to support producers’ management decisions.
The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation has put the double low yield appraisal process in place to allow some crops to be turned into feed.
The federal and provincial agriculture ministers said the decision was made to help support producers facing dry conditions.
Federal agriculture minister Heath MacDonald said he had spoken with farmers and ranchers in the province who are worried about the situation.
“Changing the yield threshold will give them some breathing room, so they can make the best decisions for their operations,” he said in a news release.
Saskatchewan agriculture minister Daryl Harrison said governments had to quickly adapt to support producers’ management decisions.
“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,” he said.
“Once again, livestock producers are encouraged to work directly with neighbouring corp producers to access additional feed.”
The program allows crops to be grazed, baled or silaged.
Yields that fall below an established threshold level are reduced to zero for claim purposes.
SCIC is doubling the threshold values, which allows customers to salvage eligible crops for feed without impacting their future individual coverage.
All acres must be diverted for livestock feed and not left to harvest. Producers who want to participate should contact their local insurance office.
Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association president Jeff Yorga said cattle producers would appreciate being able to access more feed.
“There are producers struggling with drought conditions,” he said.
“They are assessing and adjusting crop and feed requirements.… As we move forward, I strongly encourage producers to directly connect with each other to co-ordinate access to any additional feed made available through this change.”
Bill Prybylski, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, said producers appreciate the quick adjustment of support from the governments. The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities also said timely support is critical.
Recent rain may help some pastures and later seeded crops, said Saskatchewan Cattle Association chair Chad Ross.
“Unfortunately, the hay crop was already burned 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,” he said.
Producers are also reminded they have until July 31 to enrol in AgriStability. The program accepts additional costs for extra feed as an eligible expense. It also offers an interim benefit.
SCIC said reduced hay and pasture production is a pressing concern for producers. Those participating in the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program are eligible to receive claim payments beginning July 15. The corporation said by Aug. 15, remaining claims are automatically calculated based solely on weather station data.
Source - https://www.producer.com
