The Government of Saskatchewan has provided $70 million in financial aid to livestock producers who are struggling with drought conditions across Canada’s prairie region.
The provincial government said the aid is meant to offset the added costs that farmers face due to persistent drought conditions.
The Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association applauded the aid but has called on the federal government in Ottawa to also give financial support to struggling livestock producers.
The Cattlemen’s Association said the money from the Saskatchewan government will go towards feed and water for cattle, bison, horse, elk, deer and sheep, but stresses that more support is needed.
Severe drought has hit Canada’s prairie provinces this summer. Agriculture Canada has placed an “extreme drought” designation on southern parts of Saskatchewan.
In 2021, the federal government and province provided combined aid of $200 per livestock head during a similar drought. This time, the Saskatchewan government’s aid amounts to $80 a head.
Without additional aid from Ottawa, the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association says producers might have to trim their herds, which could impact Canadian consumers at the grocery store.
