This is the time of year when waterfowl and wild game have supplanted weeds and insects as the top threat to crops still standing in the fields.
Farmers overwintering their crops should keep in mind there is a national wildlife damage compensation program administered through provincial crop insurance agencies.
Producers do not need to carry crop insurance to receive the compensation and there are no costs or premiums involved in the program, which is part of the agricultural policy framework agreement.
“We’re certainly going to see wildlife damage through the winter on these overwintering crops,” said Shawn Jaques, customer service manager with Saskatchewan Crop Insurance.
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According to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Oct. 30 crop report, 98 percent of the crop had been combined but there are pockets where harvest progress is far behind schedule.
“This year there is crop left out all over the province,” said Jaques.
For example, in the northeast, only 89 percent of the crop has been combined, meaning there is a good chance farmers in that region could face a spring harvest.
Jaques said those farmers should remember that crops have to be inspected by an agent before they are burned or harvested in order to qualify for compensation.
Last year the Saskatchewan program paid $5 million in waterfowl damage and $1.6 million in big game compensation. The year before, the total payout was $15.2 million.
Compensation is based on 80 percent of the calculated loss with a minimum per crop claim of $100. Payments are based on the forecast market price and grade at the time of adjustment.
The program is offered in all three prairie provinces, although administration may differ slightly from one jurisdiction to the next.
Farmers can receive compensation for crops damaged by white-tailed and mule deer, antelope, elk, moose, bears, bison, ducks, geese and sandhill cranes, as long as the crop is still standing in the field. Stacked hay is also eligible for coverage.
“The wildlife compensation program does not cover damage caused to grain piles or storage facilities,” said Jaques.
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance has processed 760 big game and 1,500 waterfowl claims since April 1, which is close to last year’s pace of 2,484 claims by Nov. 8.
Jaques said he couldn’t estimate what the total payout will be for this crop year since the extent of damage that occurs over winter depends on big game populations and whether the spring harvest happens before or after migratory birds return to the province.
