Released on June 24, 2009
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance is implementing three additional measures to help address the drought situation in northwest and west central Saskatchewan.
"We recognize the challenges facing producers in these drought-stricken areas," Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "These changes will help accelerate program payments to producers and address potential feed shortages."
First, Crop Insurance is extending the seeding deadline for greenfeed crops from June 30 to July 15. Second, producers who have Crop Insurance will now be able to seed and insure any cereal greenfeed crop. Third, in areas severely affected by drought, an increased number of producers will now have their claims processed without field inspection in order to receive their payments faster.
"We're always willing to work with farmers to change programs and make sure they hit the farm gate," said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "These Crop Insurance changes will allow Saskatchewan farmers to make the right business decisions for their farms and will continue to work with producers to deal with drought conditions."
If producers have a shortage of pasture or feed, they can also access Crop Insurance features that allow forage and annual crops to be grazed by livestock or cut for feed.
For more information on program changes, producers should contact their local Crop Insurance office.
In addition to making these program changes, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud will tour northwest and west central areas of Saskatchewan this week to get a first-hand look at the dry conditions producers are facing in that region. Although the region has experienced rainfall recently, Bjornerud wants to meet with producers to seek input on what further action may be necessary.
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For more information, contact:
Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0521
Daniel Jungwirth
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation
Melville
Phone: 306-728-7427
Email: daniel.jungwirth@scic.gov.sk.ca
Meagan Murdoch
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
Ottawa
Phone: 613-759-1059
Cell: 613-608-3252