The Saskatchewan government announced changes to the funding livestock producers can receive through the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program, and the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation announced they were doubling the Low Yield Appraisal threshold. The moves come in response to calls for action due to the hot and dry conditions that are having drastic impacts on farms across the province. 

The changes to the SCIC are for customers who salvage their cereal or pulse crops as feed, without impacting future individual coverage. Those who wish to look at the options are encouraged to get in touch with their local SCIC office prior to grazing or baling the damaged crops. 

The changes to the FRWIP will see a large increase in the maximum rebate livestock producers can receive for dugouts, wells and pipelines for agricultural use. The rebate is going up from $50,000 to $150,000 and is effective from April 1st of this year to March 31st of next year. The first $50,000 is based on a 50/50 cost share with producers, and the remaining $100,000 is a 70/30 government/producer cost share.  

Other feed options that are now available include haying along highway ditches and rights of way. Producers are able to harvest any unclaimed hay without seeking permission from the adjacent landowner. In southern and central regions of Saskatchewan, the hay in ditches along secondary highways and rural roads is available on a first-come basis with the bales needing to be removed by August 15th.