Saskatchewan government announces support measures for producers amid dry conditions

The federal government, alongside the Saskatchewan government has announced new measures by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) to support producers facing this year’s challenging dry conditions. SCIC will implement the double low yield appraisal process, encouraging acres of low-yielding eligible crops to be diverted for grazing, baling, or silage to make additional feed available.

Under this initiative, severely damaged crops with appraised yields below an established threshold will have their yield reduced to zero for crop insurance claims. SCIC is doubling the low yield appraisal threshold values, allowing producers to salvage their eligible crops as feed without negatively impacting future individual coverage. All qualifying acres for double low yield appraisals must be diverted to livestock feed and cannot be left to harvest. Producers are advised to contact their local SCIC office before putting damaged crops to an approved alternate use.

Daryl Harrison, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture, says in multiple areas throughout the province, livestock producers are facing extreme challenges due to drought.

“There is a need to quickly adapt to best support producers’ timely, on-farm decisions. In 2021 and 2023, this initiative was successfully implemented, resulting in over half a million acres of additional low yield crop redirected to feed,” says Minister Harrison. “Once again, livestock producers are encouraged to work directly with neighboring crop producers to access additional feed.”

Additionally, the AgriStability program will provide support for production losses and increased expenses due to dry conditions. Expenses incurred to acquire additional feed for livestock are eligible through the AgriStability Program. The deadline for producers to enroll in the 2025 AgriStability program year has been extended to July 31, 2025. The program includes an option for Interim Benefits, allowing producers to receive funds before the completion of the fiscal period to support losses and cover costs.

SCIC acknowledges the pressing concern for livestock producers regarding reduced hay and pasture production. Pasture acres are insured for dry conditions through the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program. Starting July 15, 2025, eligible producers will begin receiving claim payments to provide timely financial relief from below-average rainfall. Remaining claims will be automatically calculated based on weather station data by August 15, 2025.