The federal government has announced $219 million for its 60 per cent share of an AgriRecovery payment targeted at livestock producers in areas of Western Canada impacted by drought.  Saskatchewan committed its 40 per cent two months ago.

The “Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program” will cover 70 per cent of extraordinary costs related to feed purchase and transportation costs, as well as pasture rentals. Producers will need to submit receipts or documents with their application to Saskatchewan Crop Insurance, which is administering the program. Funding will provide eligible producers an initial payment of up to $150 per head to help maintain the breeding herd in the drought regions.  Additional details can be viewed here.

Most Saskatchewan livestock producers will be eligible based on data supplied by the Canadian Drought Monitor.  Those who will not be eligible include the Meadow Lake, Prince Albert, Nipawin, Humboldt, and Wynyard areas which received larger amounts of rain this year.  The eligibility map is posted below and this is a quick reaction from Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Garner Deobald.