By Farms.com
To support livestock producers, the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program has announced an expansion in eligibility areas and an extension of the application deadline for 2023.
This initiative, a collaborative effort between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture, comes as a response to the adverse effects of recent drought conditions in the region.
Ministers Lawrence MacAulay and David Marit emphasized the importance of this update, acknowledging the challenges faced by producers. The program, administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC), aims to provide financial relief and support to those in the agricultural sector impacted by dry conditions.
An additional 10 Rural Municipalities (RMs) are now included in the program, allowing for a wider range of producers to access vital funds. Producers can now receive up to $150 per head with full cost-shared funding. This expansion reflects the government's recognition of the hardships faced due to the drought and its commitment to supporting the agriculture sector.
The deadline for applications has been extended to March 15, 2024. This gives producers more time to review program details and submit their applications. The eligibility criteria require an indication of the number of breeding animals held from August 21, 2023, to January 31, 2024.
This extension is geared towards ensuring that the actual extraordinary costs and breeding animal inventory are accurately captured in the applications.
Eligible expenses under this program include costs for purchased feed, transportation, and rented land for grazing or additional feed production. The program covers a variety of livestock, including beef cattle, bison, elk, deer, sheep, goats, and horses. Importantly, a Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) is necessary for eligibility.
For ease of application, an online form along with a user guide is available at the SCIC website. A dedicated team is also on hand to assist producers through phone or email support.
This update is part of the broader AgriRecovery initiative, a federal-provincial-territorial partnership aimed at aiding agricultural producers in disaster situations.
With a combined commitment of up to $147 million from Saskatchewan and the Federal Government, this initiative underlines the importance of the agricultural sector in Canada and thhe government's dedication to its sustainability and growth, especially in challenging times.