Farmers and cattle producers in 34 Saskatchewan rural municipalities affected by drought are first in line for a share of $1 million to develop water projects.
The provincial government has released details of a one-time grant to help producers secure on-farm water supplies. The Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration will administer the program, and all projects must meet its construction criteria.
The program targets the money where drought has been most pronounced.
The 34 RMs are those that the federal government deemed eligible for tax deferrals if producers were forced to sell livestock because of dry conditions.
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Large diameter wells, pasture pipelines and dugouts that were built last year in these RMs but didn’t receive PFRA funding are eligible for cost sharing of one-third, to a maximum $5,000. There is no maximum for small diameter wells built in these municipalities.
Provincial officials said most of the money will likely go toward small diameter, deep wells that are traditionally more expensive.
Assistant deputy agriculture minister Hal Cushon said producers who are looking for more secure water supplies don’t consider dugouts.
“A well is your only option,” he said.
Small diameter wells that were built anywhere in the province last year and that received PFRA funding are eligible for a provincial top-up to meet a one-third overall cost-share. Funding will be capped at $5,000.
Cushon said it will likely take two to three years to spend the $1 million. He expects 200 wells could be drilled.
The grants will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Producers interested in the program should contact the PFRA or Saskatchewan Agriculture offices.
