Saskatchewan's announcement of a per head payment to help cattle producers navigate the impacts of the drought is welcome news for cattle producers.
Arnold Balicki, Chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association says knowing the initial $100 per head payment on breeding stock is coming, will certainly help producers plan as they look at having to seriously cull their herds due to a lack of available feed.
"I recognize that this program does not address all the feed and cost challenges faced by backgrounders and feeders or cow-calf producers. So SCA will continue to work on accessing what can and needs to be done. You know, we are glad and fortunate to have a government that is open to working with industry, and that responds when the when the need is what it is today."
The money gives producers the flexibility to manage their own specific challenges on their operation whether it relates to accessing feed, water availablity, or water quality.
Balicki says we will continue to see breeding animals go to market in the coming weeks adding that producers are dealing with unprecedented challenges and many are in difficult situations.
"The feed is just not there, and so they have to sell their cows. You know, they sell the cows, they aren't going to have a calf crop to make their payments next year. And so, I've had some producers tell me that they're already trying to mitigate insolvency and bankruptcy by trying to sell some land, trying to sell some iron, to scare up money to make the payments next year."
The province has also asked Ottawa for an additional $178 million dollars, which would increase the overall per head payment to $200 per breeding female.
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association is pleased with the Province's AgriRecovery plan, giving producers a per head payment.
President Kelcy Elford says it will go a long way in helping producers impacted by the drought.
"It's still gonna have its challenges going forward. As everyone knows, you know, there's always challenges in each and every situation in a drought, but the assistance that was announced today (Tuesday) was welcomed from the province, and we eagerly await the feds to come to the table."
Minister Bibeau has said previously in working with the provinces to respond to the drought that she would be ready to seek further funding as needed.
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