Livestock producers are being given additional time to start and complete dugouts, wells and pipelines under the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program. (FRWIP)
It has been a challenge accessing contractors and materials as Saskatchewan farms look to improve their water supplies following last year’s severe drought.
The federal and provincial governments have adapted FRWIP to allow livestock producers who plan to claim over $50,000 in rebates to submit a preliminary application by March 31st. The project would need to be completed by September 30th.
“It is important to provide more time for producers to complete their water projects so they can take advantage of additional funding to develop secure and sustainable water sources . . . to help them mitigate the impacts of future dry conditions,” said David Marit, Saskatchewan agriculture minister.
Last summer, maximum funding for FRWIP was temporarily increased to $150,000. The first $50,000 is a 50/50 cost-share and the remaining $100,000 is a 70/30 government-producer cost-share. The original deadline had been March 31st, but has now been extended another six months.
