Dealing With Drought

The $6 million Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program along with the $9 million that was contributed by the federal government, under AgriRecovery, will assist farmers and ranchers to develop secure water supplies in Southwest Saskatchewan.

The Agricultural Crown Land Improvement Policy provides an opportunity for grazing lessees to enter into a contract with the Department to allow their leases to recover from the effects of overgrazing.

Economic weed control, risk of crop injury, residual carryover and feeding restrictions are always factors receiving careful consideration when making herbicide decisions, but they carry more importance when dry conditions prevail.

Low levels of winter run-off and the widespread lack of spring rains will certainly have an effect on the amount of forage available on pastures.  A reduction in forage quantity and quality will have a negative impact on cow milk production and calf body weights.

This publication addresses issues related to feeding livestock, particularly after a growing season drought followed by late season moisture.

The Ministry of Agriculture announced some assistance for cattle producers in Southwest Saskatchewan today.

The Government of Saskatchewan is working to keep the economy strong and growing by increasing its investment in agriculture this year to $302.8 million. Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said new funding in the 2008-09 budget for water infrastructure and research will help to grow the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan.