The president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers welcomes an extension to the farm and ranch water development program deadline.

The March 31st deadline has been extended to the end of September, but producers must start the paperwork by the end of March.

Stock Growers president Kelcy Elford says producers were concerned about shortages of contractors for the work.

He says the extension is important and welcome.

The government water development program covers half the cost to 50 thousand dollars and 70 percent of the cost for the remaining 100 thousand dollars.