PRODUCER COMPENSATION FOR LIVESTOCK PREDATION

Crop Insurance's Wildlife Damage Compensation Program Further Enhanced

Today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced producers will be compensated for livestock killed or injured by predators, as part of overall enhancements to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.

Producers will be compensated for 100 per cent of the market value of their livestock killed by predators and up to 80 per cent of the market value for injured livestock requiring veterinary services.

The Wildlife Damage Compensation Program is also being enhanced to include compensation for wildlife damage to crops and feed used for swath, bale and corn grazing. In addition, compensation for wild boar damage to crops is being added to the program. The previous $5,200 per yard site compensation limit for wildlife damage to stacked feed will also be removed.

"This change will make sure crop insurance is there for producers when a calf is taken down by coyotes or some swathes are pulled apart by deer," said Ritz. "We're proud to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to build and fund programs such as crop insurance to give producers the tools they need to be successful."

The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will provide approximately $2.5 million annually in cost-shared funding for the program improvements. All of the enhancements are effective as of April 1, 2010.

"We are continually working to improve our programs to benefit producers and I am pleased to partner with the federal government to provide this compensation," Bjornerud said. "Predation has been an ongoing concern and this new program feature is another tool to help livestock producers address this issue."

Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) administers the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. There are no premiums and producers are not required to be Crop Insurance customers to be eligible for benefits. The Crop Insurance and Wildlife Damage Compensation Programs are cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments.

"Wildlife damage to both crops and livestock has become an increasing concern for our members," SARM President David Marit said. "We commend the federal and provincial governments for acknowledging this problem, improving the program and taking steps to help producers protect their investments."

"Livestock predation and wildlife damage to fall and winter grazing operations can have a significant impact on a producer's bottom line," Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association Chair Jack Hextall said. "In this industry every dollar counts, and we appreciate these improvements to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program to address the needs of cattle producers."

"Many sheep producers have suffered significant losses due to coyotes and other predators," Lipton area sheep producer and Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders Association Board member Martin Catto said. "This is a definite move forward to assist sheep producers."

For more information, producers can contact their local SCIC customer service office, www.saskcropinsurance.com or call 1-888-935-0000.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler Hopson
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: tyler.hopson@gov.sk.ca