The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp. (SCIC) is implementing measures to offer support to producers facing this year’s challenging dry conditions. SCIC is implementing the double low yield appraisal process, encouraging acres of low-yielding eligible crops to be diverted to make additional feed available to graze, bale or silage.
“I’ve spoken with livestock and crop producers in Saskatchewan who are worried about the impact that dry conditions could have this year,” said Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald. “Changing the yield threshold will give them some breathing room, so they can make the best decisions for their operations.”
“In multiple areas throughout the province, our livestock producers are facing challenges from this year’s dry conditions,” said Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison. “There is a need to quickly adapt to best support producers’ timely, on-farm decisions. In 2021 and 2023, this same initiative was successfully implemented, resulting in over half a million acres of additional low-yield crop redirected to feed. Once again, livestock producers are encouraged to work directly with neighboring crop producers to access additional feed.”
When crops are severely damaged and the appraised yield falls below an established threshold level, the yield is reduced to zero for the crop insurance claim. SCIC is doubling the low yield appraisal threshold values, allowing customers to salvage their eligible crops as feed, without negatively impacting future individual coverage. Prior to compensation, all qualifying acres for double low yield appraisals must be diverted to livestock feed. They cannot be left to harvest. Prior to putting damaged crops to an approved alternate use, producers should contact their local SCIC office.
AgriStability can provide support to producers for production losses and increased expenses resulting from dry conditions. In most cases, the additional expense a producer incurs to acquire additional feed for their livestock is an eligible expense through the AgriStability Program. The deadline for producers to enroll in the existing AgriStability program for the 2025 program year is extended to July 31. The AgriStability Program includes an option to access timely support through an interim benefit, which gives producers the option of receiving funds prior to the completion of the fiscal period in the program year. This can help support losses and cover costs.
SCIC recognizes the most pressing concern for livestock producers is reduced hay and pasture production. Pasture acres are insured for the impact of dry conditions through the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program. Starting July 15, eligible producers will begin to receive claim payments, providing timely financial relief to help offset the impact of below average rainfall. By August 15, remaining claims are automatically calculated based strictly upon weather station data.
