For Immediate Release
Numerous rural municipalities in southern Saskatchewan are experiencing extreme drought conditions, including some that have already declared disaster status.
Immediate government financial assistance is required to help producers cope with water and feed shortages, while there remains a need to develop a long-term disaster relief program.
“Moisture conditions in some areas in Saskatchewan continue to deteriorate. This year’s drought has been compounded by a lack of moisture during summer and this past winter, and excessive high temperatures during the heart of the growing season,” said SARM President David Marit. “With dugouts and pastures dried up, many producers are having to haul water and some have been feeding their cattle since the beginning of August.”
SARM is encouraged by the government’s plan to rework the CAIS and Crop Insurance Programs and will be requesting participation in these discussions to ensure an effective long-term program for Saskatchewan producers.
“Year after year producers have faced problems with disasters such as BSE, drought and flooding, and are forced to seek government relief through ad-hoc handouts,” said Marit. “Governments need to work together to develop a long-term disaster relief program to address this ongoing issue and offer our producers some stability.”
For more information contact:
David Marit
President
Cell: (306) 476-7754
Home: (306) 476-2600
