The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association have submitted a drought survival proposal to both the provincial and Federal governments.
SSGA President Kelcy Elford says they appreciated the measures by both governments so far, however there is no end in sight for extreme conditions. The proposal will work towards solutions for producers who are in dire need of feed. Elford says the SSGA would like to see access to capital and clean water.
Elford says the SSGA is encouraging both levels of government to work with grain companies to remove barriers that are preventing the salvage of feed from forward contracted crops.
The SSGA is calling for further measures to help producers through the current disaster while providing opportunities for recovery.
More on the additional measures the SSGA is calling for:
Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP)
Decrease gross farm income eligibility requirement to $10,000;
Fund offsite watering systems without requirement for dugout expansion or riparian protection;
Include power installation for wells, water pumping and water hauling as eligible expenses; and
Provide additional technical support for planning and construction of water projects.
Expedite the regulatory approval process for FRWIP projects;
Pay government portion to contractors, directly;
Provide funding for temporary fencing to enable grazing of unharvestable crops.
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC)
Expedite assessment and adjustment on a regional basis;
Ensure grain producers inclusion for borderline yields; and
Adjust guaranteed base price to reflect current market prices.
Financial Management and Cash Flow
Allow producers to make AgriInvest withdrawals tax-free;
Provide AgriStability advance interim payments;
Offer long term low interest loans to cover expenses incurred due to the drought and to help rebuild;
Extend payments on Farm Credit Canada (FCC) COVID loans, Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) and Advanced Payments Program (APP) cash advances; and
Work with financial institutions to support agriculture producers during these difficult times.
Elford adds, “With the extreme drought conditions present across the province, we are calling on the federal government to expand the Livestock Tax Deferral Program announced last week to a five-year program to include all classes of cattle and regions of Saskatchewan.”
