Today Federal Agriculture Minister, Marie Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced additional program measures and flexibility to help address the dry conditions across the province.
The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the challenges many Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers are facing due to dry conditions and is closely monitoring moisture, crop and forage conditions across the province.
Through the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Program, the deadline for seeding crops for greenfeed has been extended from June 30 to July 15. Producers who have Crop Insurance will now be able to seed and insure any cereal greenfeed crop. This includes customer who have not previously endorsed greenfeed on their contract of insurance. Crop Insurance customers have until July 15 to select this endorsement and seed their greenfeed crop. If a Crop Insurance customer wants to use their annual crop acres for livestock grazing or for feed, they can contact their local Crop Insurance office.
Crop Insurance customers also have coverage should their annual crops suffer from the dry conditions. The producer can register a pre-harvest claim if they do not want to carry the crop through to harvest. If the producer takes their crop to harvest, but it has a reduced yield, they can file a post-harvest claim. Producers concerned about the dry conditions should contact their local Crop Insurance office to review the options available for claims, compensation and the requirements for the options they choose.
The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) gives producers the opportunity to purchase insurance based on a forward market price for their cattle. As dry conditions persist, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) wants to reassure WLPIP policy holders they are supported when making marketing decisions. For those that purchased price insurance this spring, to 60 day continuous criteria will be waived for the 2019 grazing season.
"Our government stands behind our farmers and understands their need for flexibility in these challenging conditions. We are pleased to work with our provincial counterparts in Saskatchewan to ensure our hardworking producers have the ability to better manage their operations through dry conditions."
- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Current dry conditions across the province are forcing producers to revisit how they are managing their forage and pastures. That is why we are announcing a number of flexible options for producers today."
- David Marit, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister
Quick facts
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A reminder to all producers there is still time to enrol in AgriStability for the 2019 Program Year, as the enrolment deadline has been extended to July 2, 2019.
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SCIC staff is available to walk producers through their options and discuss claims, compensation and requirements. SCIC wants all customers to be assured the Corporation is working hard to ensure timely responses to their claims and inquiries. If producers have further questions, please call 1-888-935-0000 or visit saskcropinsurance.com. Please leave a message if you are calling after hours.
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Additional resources are available through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.There are two programs offered under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support the development of a secure and sustainable water source for agricultural purposes and help mitigate impacts of drought. Producers are encouraged to apply to the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) and the Irrigation Program.
