By Jean-Paul MacDonald
Farms.com
Rural areas in Saskatchewan are grappling with the effects of a harsh drought, leading to 39 rural areas declaring farming disasters.
The President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), Ray Orb, has been actively addressing this issue.
He has made on-site assessments, had discussions with rural area officials, and participated in townhall meetings hosted by the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association (SCA).
As crops wither and livestock producers face challenges, SARM is closely monitoring the situation.
Orb acknowledged the urgency for assistance and called for unity between grain and cattle farmers.
While short-term support efforts are in motion, SARM is collaborating with organizations like the SCA and Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association to establish more robust forage insurance programs.
Additionally, discussions with the federal government about AgriRecovery are underway.
Orb remains cautiously optimistic about federal aid, emphasizing the importance of timely solutions. One potential long-term remedy under consideration is the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project.
Orb plans to discuss this with ministers in Ottawa, aiming to secure funding for the project.
In the midst of adversity, collaboration and timely solutions are crucial for the survival of Saskatchewan's agriculture.