Money available for Sask. ranchers who suffered losses during storms

Livestock producers whose herds were impacted by the recent snowstorms in southeastern Saskatchewan can get help from the provincial government.

The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) can be accessed by producers who have suffered significant financial losses due to the storms that have rolled through the region in the past two weeks.

“We recognize the recent spring blizzards have taken a toll on producers at a critical time,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell said in a media release. “PDAP is available to provide timely financial support to producers who have lost livestock.”

The program offers funds to farming operations that have suffered losses as a result of natural disasters in areas that have been declared eligible for assistance. The coverage includes livestock, provided the producers don’t already have coverage through insurance or other programs.

The government asks livestock producers to take photos or videos and document all livestock losses caused by the recent weather.

For more information, producers should contact PDAP at 1-866-632-4033 or visit its website.

AgriStability enrolment extended

The provincial and federal governments announced Thursday the AgriStability enrolment deadline for the 2022 program year has been extended to June 30.

The move was made to help farmers deal with the impact of avian influenza, market disruptions, increased expenses and production challenges that they may be experiencing.

“Producers cannot control every risk impacting their operation, but they can control how they prepare for them,” Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a media release. “The uncertainty of this year’s growing season reinforces the importance of our Business Risk Management Programs.

“This deadline extension gives producers additional time to customize their risk management package for their operations.”

In the past five program years, Saskatchewan producers have received more than $435 million in benefit payments.

Farmers interested in enrolling can fill in a contact form on this site or they can call 1-866-270-8450 or email agristability@scic.ca from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.