In a
recent press release, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance
Corporation (SCIC) announced changes to the Wildlife
Damage Compensation Program. This program is being
enhanced to include compensation for wildlife damage to crops
and feed used for swath, bale and corn grazing. In addition,
compensation for wild boar damage to crops is being added to
the program. The previous $5,200 per yard site compensation
limit for wildlife damage to stacked feed will also be
removed.
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced
producers will also be compensated for livestock killed or
injured by predators, as part of overall enhancements to the
Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.
Producers will be compensated for 100 per cent of the
market value of their livestock killed by predators and up to
80 per cent of the market value for injured livestock
requiring veterinary services.
"This change will make sure crop insurance is there for
producers when a calf is taken down by coyotes or some swathes
are pulled apart by deer," said Ritz. "We're proud to work
with the Government of Saskatchewan to build and fund programs
such as crop insurance to give producers the tools they need
to be successful."
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will provide
approximately $2.5 million annually in cost-shared funding for
the program improvements. All of the enhancements are
effective as of April 1, 2010.
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) administers
the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. There are no
premiums and producers are not required to be Crop Insurance
customers to be eligible for benefits. The Crop Insurance and
Wildlife Damage Compensation Programs are cost-shared by the
federal and provincial governments.
"Wildlife damage to both crops and livestock has become an
increasing concern for our members," SARM President David
Marit said. "We commend the federal and provincial governments
for acknowledging this problem, improving the program and
taking steps to help producers protect their investments."
"Livestock predation and wildlife damage to fall and winter
grazing operations can have a significant impact on a
producer's bottom line," Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association
Chair Jack Hextall said. "In this industry every dollar
counts, and we appreciate these improvements to the Wildlife
Damage Compensation Program to address the needs of cattle
producers."
"Many sheep producers have suffered significant losses due
to coyotes and other predators," Lipton area sheep producer
and Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders Association Board member
Martin Catto said. "This is a definite move forward to assist
sheep producers."
For more information, producers can contact their local
SCIC customer service office, http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103202900615&s=256&e=001rnnD_yC3S40ZHsMwxN5x64SnxJCUHBYDpMsrb7Ozc2cm6D8XQZ49-g_VNDBsRdAVjUUS-tgpeXxMJSpy0lGFALk-Wia60a_pKf5Ymz9qbOJK0ITEei4lneuHAfrOei-R or
call 1-888-935-0000.
March always seems to bring a mixed bag of
weather in Saskatchewan. One day there is sunny
warm conditions that has water running in the ditches
and the next day there is snow flurries and howling
winds. I guess it really is true what they say "If
you don't like the weather, just wait a minute!".
For those of us looking forward to spring, there do
appear to be a few signs that it is on the way - birds
returning, snow melting, and for some, new calves on the
farm. This issue of the Forage and
Livestock eNews brings you information on updates
to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program offered
through Saskatchewan Crop Insurance, information on a
publication you won't want to miss and a tutorial on
evaluating winter kill and winter injury in your alfalfa
stands. 
