Funding details were recently released for the livestock-focused AgriRecovery program that is now known as the Canada-Saskatchewan Drought Response Initiative 2021. Starting September 1, 2021, Producers across the province are able to submit applications toward the initiative.
Jody Griffin, co-ordinator of research and development for the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) explained, "The program is providing much-needed support and relief to livestock producers, in helping them to maintain the breeding herd, by providing to address the tremendous cost that are caused by drought. Producers need this support right now, as they assess costs going into winter."
For cattle, the initiative will include two payments totalling up to $200 per head. For other livestock, animal unit equivalents will be used to calculate payments.
In the first round of payments, producers will get $100 for each breeding female equivalent in inventory as of August 1, 2021. The second round of payments will be up to $100 per breeding female equivalent as of December 31, 2021.
Livestock producers are encouraged to submit their applications for the program online on the SCIC website. The organization also urges producers to call their toll-free line. Griffin from the SCIC explained that the application process is both simple and user-friendly. Producers who apply successfully will receive immediate funding from the first round of payments.
The deadline to apply to the program is January 31, 2022. Female beef and dairy cattle, bison, elk, sheep, and goats that are bred or intended to be bred are all eligible for the initiative. To remain qualified, the number of open replacement females can make up 15 per cent of the total number of bred females.
Earlier this month, Agriculture Minister David Marit announced $119 million in direct support for drought-affected livestock producers under the AgriRecovery program. The program is part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, funded 60-40 by the federal and provincial governments.
Griffin states that cattle producers across the province have shown a great deal of appreciation and encouragement for the program thus far
"We have a great relationship with the industry groups, who helped us through the whole process of shaping the initiative. On our first day of launching the program, I got lots of calls and texts from producers saying that the process is seamless. Our number one priority is making this as easy as possible for producers who are facing a great deal of stress."
