Livestock producers in Saskatchewan, Canada, have reason to celebrate as the government has expanded and extended the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program. This program provides financial relief to livestock producers who have been significantly impacted by drought. The expansion includes the addition of ten rural municipalities to the area eligible for the initial $150 per head payment, and the application deadline has been extended to March 15.
The decision to expand the program’s eligibility area reflects the government’s recognition of the areas that were hit hardest by drought last fall. By including these additional rural municipalities, the government aims to maximize access to financial relief for livestock producers who have been struggling due to the adverse effects of drought.
The ten rural municipalities that have been added to the eligibility list are Britannia, Rosthern, Bayne, Lumsden, Sherwood, Bratt’s Lake, Edenwold, Lajord, South Qu’Appelle, and North Qu’Appelle. Livestock producers in these areas can now apply for the program and receive the much-needed financial support.
To qualify for the program, applicants must provide specific information, including the number of breeding animals in their herd as of August 21, 2023, and kept until January 31, 2024. Additionally, they must submit receipts to indicate extraordinary expenses incurred, such as purchased feed, self-hauling or transport costs of feed, and/or land rented for additional grazing or feed production.
The Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program has been a lifeline for many livestock producers who have been grappling with the challenges posed by drought. It has helped them cover the costs of purchasing feed and transporting it to their animals, as well as providing them with additional grazing or feed production options.
David Marit, the provincial agriculture minister, expressed the government’s commitment to supporting livestock producers during these difficult times. He emphasized the importance of expanding the eligibility area to ensure that financial relief is accessible to as many producers as possible. Marit’s statement reflects the government’s understanding of the critical role that livestock producers play in the province’s agricultural sector and the need to support them in overcoming the challenges they face.
The extension of the application deadline to March 15 provides livestock producers with additional time to gather the necessary documentation and submit their applications. This extension is particularly valuable as it allows producers to carefully compile their receipts and ensure that they accurately reflect the extraordinary expenses they have incurred.
Livestock producers in the newly added rural municipalities should take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program. It is a chance to alleviate some of the financial burdens they have faced due to drought and to receive the support they need to continue their important work in the agricultural sector.
Overall, the expansion and extension of the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program is a positive development for livestock producers in the province. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and its recognition of the challenges faced by producers in drought-affected areas. By providing financial relief, the program aims to ensure the sustainability and resilience of livestock operations in Saskatchewan.
