More support for producers that have had their forage supplies damaged by wildlife.
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced enhancements to the Wildlife Damage Prevention Program.
Funding for fencing is available for producers. Those who have received compensation greater than $2-thousand per feed storage site may be eligible to receive a fence package to protect their future feed supplies.
The provincial government notes in a news release Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC), which administers the program, will inform eligible producers of prevention options and work with them to determine the appropriate package.
They add once a fence is constructed, a site is no longer eligible for wildlife damage compensation.
The announcement comes two days after adjustments were made to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, also administered by SCIC.
Wednesday’s announcement was aimed at producers in the southwest and west central regions, where they’ve faced a drought year in 2021, and wildlife damaging their feed stacks, forcing them to purchase replacement feed hundreds of kilometres away, making it expensive.
Marit said on Wednesday they identified 3 zones in the southwest and west-central and set compensation rates for each zone: Zone one is the Shaunavon area, zone two is Leader-Swift Current, and zone three is North Battleford-Kindersley-Rosetown. The rate for zone one is $135/metric ton, $80/metric ton for zone two, and $30/ton for zone three.
To be eligible for the top-up, producers must have filed a wildlife damage claim after September 1st 2022 up to March 31st this year
Marit clarified on Wednesday eligibility is for the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program is not exclusive to the southwest and west-central, anyone in the province that fits in the criteria can apply.
“Even a rancher up in the Humboldt area can make an application but his ability to source feed is a lot better than somebody obviously south of Shaunavon or in the southwest part.” Marit said.
More information about these two programs can be found by contacting your local Saskatchewan Crop Insurance office or on their website.
