The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan has proposed several steps that must be taken to help producers cope with current drought conditions.
“APAS is calling on both levels of government to initiate a drought‐related AgriRecovery assessment. For many producers, 2021 follows a long period of below‐average moisture,” said APAS president Todd Lewis. “We can’t just keep hoping for rain. It is time to act.”
APAS has requested that both levels of government extend the enrollment period for AgriStability, plus increase AgriStability coverage levels.
APAS has also asked governments to assist with water supplies and water quality management, designate the entire province as eligible for the federal Livestock Tax Deferral program, and create a provincial Drought Committee of government and industry representatives to monitor drought conditions and oversee assistance measures.
“The Livestock Tax Deferral is very important to producers that need to sell a large portion of their herds because of feed and water shortages. The designation needs to come now, and the federal government should make calves eligible through the deferral program as well.” Lewis explained.
APAS would also like Saskatchewan Crop Insurance to help expedite the conversion of drought‐ damaged crops into livestock feed such as green feed, silage, or grazing.
“Producers across the province are under considerable stress,” Lewis added. “The government can’t make it rain, but there are concrete actions they can take to alleviate some of the burdens producers are dealing with.
