Livestock producers that suffered losses during spring snow storms encouraged to look into PDAP

The extreme weather in some areas over the last few weeks brought some much needed moisture, but it also resulted in some substantial livestock losses.

In Saskatchewan, producers in the Maple Creek area got another shot of winter early in April, while in the last couple of weeks spring snow storms hit areas in the far southeast corner. 

Ryder Lee, the CEO of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association, says the situation varies from farm to farm, but the last few weeks of heavy, wet snow and wind just made everything more difficult especially for producers that were calving.

"People losing cattle that ended up just getting pushed.  I've heard of cattle in dugouts, people losing not only calves but adult cows as well. So, you know, it's severe when  that's happened and some tough numbers 10 - 15 - 20 head.  It's hard to calculate that for somebody that might not be going through it, but that's a lot of your income you plan for."

Lee reminding producers that did lose livestock in those storms to talk to their RM's and check into the Provincial  Disaster Assistance Program.

"Your RM's plays a role in that too. So, we've been reaching out about that.  Hopefully, people are taking lots of pictures of what's unfolded, and can get into that process. We continue to listen to them about what is happening. Is anything being missed? Is anything not working? How can SCA step in and help make sure that the gears are working the way they're supposed to?"

Producers in the Estevan area got some relief over the weekend, when they missed a colorado low that was supposed to bring heavy rain to the area.

The Water Security Agency had raised concerns about the potential for flooding but because the area missed the rain it allowed for a more natural snow melt.

Livestock producers that did lose animals in the storms and are located in RM's that have been declared disaster areas have six months to submit a claim through the PDAP office.

Eligible producers can expect similar compensation to what they'd receive under the Wildlife Damages Compensation and Livestock Accreditation Program which is delivered by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance.

Producers looking for more information can contact PDAP at 1-866-632-4033.