Farming, ranching organizations welcome provincial wildfire relief
Organizations representing farmers and ranchers welcomed an announcement by the provincial government that it will match donations to a wildfire relief fund up to $100,000.
“Any financial contribution is welcome at this time,” said Chad MacPherson, general manager of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA). “It’s going to go a long ways to helping producers.”
In October, a wildfire tore through the province’s southwest, killing as many as 770 cattle, devastating approximately 34,000 hectares of land, and destroying fences, buildings and other property. Damage is still being assessed, but will reach millions of dollars in losses.
Rural organizations sought help from the province for affected members, referencing measures taken when British Columbia was struck by wildfires.
On Thursday, the provincial government announced it will match up to $100,000 in cash donations to the SSGA’s Wildfire Relief Fund, intended to help impacted farmers and ranchers.
“I’ve sort of appreciated what the Stock Growers have done here, and they may have set a bit of a precedent for other farm groups that want to raise money for folks who have either insurable or uninsurable losses,” Premier Brad Wall said. “And we have, as a province, stepped up when someone faces a disaster outside of our borders, that’s sometimes internationally. And so I think cabinet decided yesterday this is not a bad way to move forward.”
The SSGA’s relief fund has so far seen $65,000 in cash as well as inkind donations that include hay and supplies. Between money and in-kind donations, the estimated total so far has reached $250,000. In addition to calling on the public to donate cash to enable a maxingout of the government’s promised contribution, MacPherson is hoping to see donations in muchneeded feed, supplies, trucking and, come spring, cleanup.
In the meantime, organizations are continuing to have conversations with the provincial government to see what more might be done — such as the possibility of requesting help from the federal government’s AgriRecovery program.
“It’s an ongoing dialogue,” said MacPherson. “We’re appreciative of (the funding) and it’s a step in the right direction. And hopefully there’s more to come.”
Todd Lewis, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, said damage from the fire is still being assessed, noting the total might rise depending on what becomes of pasture land or injured cattle. Rural organizations have heard reports that some cows are now aborting their calves, adding to the overall losses and cost to producers.
On top of smoke inhalation and other physical injuries, Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities president Ray Orb said some ranchers have reported their animals are suffering from psychological trauma.
“One of the ranchers told me if (the cattle) got a whiff of smoke, they just go ballistic because they think there’s another fire coming,” Orb said. “So it’s been pretty traumatic to the ranchers, but to the livestock as well.”
Orb pointed out the farmers and ranchers are tough and determined to push through, but are appreciative of what is being donated.
“They’re not really out there asking for help, they’re just hoping that there can be some help,” he said.
Donations can be made by visiting the SSGA’s website or by calling 306-757-8523. The SSGA will also be accepting donations at its booth at Canadian Western Agribition between Nov. 20 and 25.