In a July 2023 article, we discussed drought relief programs offered across Western Canada due to abnormally dry weather. These drought relief programs have been extended as extreme weather conditions continue.
Major sections of Alberta and Saskatchewan are incredibly dry and some regions have soil moisture levels that are less than 40 percent of normal. Snow pack has not built up this year and is well below normal.
The federal and provincial governments of affected areas in Western Canada have developed the Drought Livestock Assistance Initiative, aimed at helping ranchers by extending the program into 2024. They are also pushing back application deadlines and extending the program into 23 new regions.
Read Also
Agriculture needs to prepare for government spending cuts
As government makes necessary cuts to spending, what can be reduced or restructured in the budgets for agriculture?
The Agriculture Financial Services Corporation is responsible for this program and the extension, which should help livestock producers alleviate some frustrations about extreme weather conditions.
The application deadline was extended to Feb. 22 in Alberta and March 15 for livestock producers in Saskatchewan. These applications include the number of breeding animals in the herd as of Aug. 21, 2023, and kept until Jan. 31, 2024. Receipts must be submitted to indicate extraordinary expenses.
Ranchers in both provinces can receive up to $150 per head of livestock if they meet the requirements.
Livestock producers in eligible regions who altered their usual grazing practices due to drought conditions for more than 21 days this season can apply for financial support to cover losses incurred to manage and maintain female breeding animals including cattle, bison, horses, elk, sheep, goats, alpacas, yak, muskox, deer, water buffalo and llamas.
A minimum of 15 animals per type of livestock is required to qualify. The qualifying requirements are simple and should apply to a wide range of ranchers.
Manitoba has created programs to align with priorities it has identified to support its agricultural sector. One of the focal points is climate change and the environment.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership program takes a proactive approach with the farming community to adopt practices and technologies that enhance climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Ranchers across Western Canada can take solace in the fact that government bodies are expanding and extending deadlines in the Canada Drought Livestock Assistance Initiative. Contact a trusted advisor for more information and help with the application process.
Colin Miller is a chartered accountant and partner with KPMG’s tax practice in Lethbridge. Contact: colinmiller@kpmg.ca. He thanks Karrie Geremia and Alex Barthel of KPMG for their assistance with writing this article.
