A conservation group that normally sets land aside for ducks is making more land available this year to waterlogged cattle farmers.
Ducks Unlimited Canada is seeking producer tenders on 48,000 acres.
The tenders will help Saskatchewan cattle producers who are struggling with flooded pastures, waterlogged hay fields and possible feed shortages, say DUC officials.
Approximately 20,000 acres of DUC land is normally tendered to producers for haying and grazing.
This year, to alleviate forage shortages caused by excess moisture and poor growing conditions, the organization will accept tenders on an additional 28,000 acres of DUC land.
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Brent Kennedy, DUC manager of provincial operations for Saskatchewan, said the land is located throughout the province.
Some is located in the southeast around Estevan, Weyburn and Yorkton, where flooding and heavy spring rain have hampered farming operations and limited access to farmland, hay crops and pastures.
Farmers interested in submitting a tender must do so before 1 p.m. July 18.
“We understand that many farmers across the province are facing forage shortages this year and (we want) to do what we can to help out,” said Kennedy.
“We’ve made similar offers during times of drought and we know from those experiences that in a time of need, access to additional grazing or haying lands can make a difference.”
DUC had already tendered 17,000 acres earlier in the year.
It decided to expand its 2011 tendered acreage after assessing farmer need and reviewing the condition of its own land holdings.
Kennedy said farmers can submit a tender online at yourland. ducks.ca or they can request tender documents by e-mailing foragesk@ducks.ca.
Tender awards are based on the price being offered and the applicant’s proximity to the land being sought.
Producers from areas that are experiencing flooding or drought conditions may be given a priority.
Ducks Unlimited owns 150,000 acres in Saskatchewan.
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