Province encouraging low yielding crops be utilized as feed for livestock sector
July 15, 2021
The provincial government is making it easier for low yielding crops to be utilized for cattle feed during the challenging conditions which exist as a result of an extended period of hot and dry conditions.
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced on July 14 that effective immediately damaged crops can be put to an alternative use such as silage, bailing or grazing.
Marit is hoping that grain producers and neighbouring livestock producers can work together to quickly make this feed supply available. With the appraised yield of many crops at or near falling below the established threshold levels where the yield is reduced to zero, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation is doubling the Low Yield Appraisal threshold values for customers who salvage their cereal or pulse crops as feed.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is looking at all the options available to support the producers at this time,” he said. “We are encouraging producers to take advantage of our existing programs and services we have in the province.” For the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation’s purposes, when crops are severely damaged and the appraised yield falls below an established threshold level, the yield is reduced to zero. As there is a feed shortage, the corporation is doubling the low yield appraisal threshold values for those who salvage their cereal or pulse crops as feed, without negatively impacting future individual coverage.
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SCIC will allow low-yield crops to be put to alternative use to support the livestock industry and the provincial government will be increasing the maximum funding for livestock producers through the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP).
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“At the moment, conditions are still extremely dry and both crops and pastures need moisture. The Government of Saskatchewan is looking at all options available to support the producers at this time,” Minister of Agriculture David Marit said in a news conference Wednesday.
Saskatchewan government steps in to support drought stricken ag producers
SHARE ON: Western Canada Drought Conditions, Jone 30. [Photo: Canadian Drought Monitor]
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) will be rolling out measures to assist ag producers as they battle the effects of drought conditions on the prairies.
Ag Minister David Marit in making today’s announcement said effective immediately changes will be made to allow low yielding crops to be put to other use to support the livestock sector. The government will also make changes to temporarily increase the maximum funding a livestock producer can receive from the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) for dugouts, wells and pipelines.
Our livestock sector is facing tremendous challenges sourcing feed, as well as some challenges in securing access to sustainable, quality livestock water sources, Marit said. Agriculture is a vital part of our provincial economy and we are taking steps to support producers through this extended period of dry, hot conditions. I want to encourage grain producers to work with neighbouring livestock producers to make feed available. SCIC is working with customers to ensure damaged crops, intended for harvest, can be put to an alternate use such as silage, baling or grazing. When crops are severely damaged and the appraised yield falls below an established threshold level, the yield is reduced to zero. In response to the feed shortage this year, SCIC is doubling the Low Yield Appraisal threshold values for customers who salvage their cereal or pulse crops as feed, without negatively impacting future individual coverage. For example, the previous established threshold fo