WHEREAS livestock are injured or killed by wild animals in community pastures, including wolves, cougars and bears; and

WHEREAS injured or dead livestock are sometimes found in areas that are difficult to access (i.e. dense bush) and in some cases only accessible by horse; and

WHEREAS Crop Insurance requires an adjuster to verify the cause of livestock injury or death; and

WHEREAS the length of time it takes to get an adjuster to the site and the distance they must travel makes it difficult for them to undertake timely verification, thereby allowing sufficient time for scavengers to damage or remove the carcass;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Provincial Government to give authority to community pasture managers to justify and verify the cause of livestock injuries and deaths under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program within Saskatchewan Crop Insurance.

Response from Honourable Bob Bjornerud, Minister of Agriculture: 

I agree that when it comes to verifying the cause of livestock injury or death, it is important that adjusters review the livestock in a timely manner. However, there may be situations where the length of time it takes for the adjuster to get to the site, and the distance they travel, make it difficult to undertake a timely verification. As such, SCIC adjusters will examine personal pictures taken by growers and community pasture managers to assist in the processing of predation claims.