Kim McLean, PhD, PAg
2018 was a reminder that weather is one variable out of the hands of livestock and forage producers. Forage production relies on early spring moisture to keep livestock on pastures longer and ensure adequate winter feeds. 2018 saw close to 10.5 million in indemnities paid out due to a lack of moisture on the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program (FRIP) alone. Producers were faced with many business decisions due to this shortage in feed production.
Recognizing the importance of business risk management for livestock and forage producers, SCIC works closely with producer associations to enhance existing programs. Much of the work focused on comments from producers and resolutions brought forward at various meetings regarding the weather station network and coverage levels available for the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program (FRIP).
For the 2019 growing season, SCIC is pleased to offer 55 additional weather stations for Saskatchewan producers. This expands the existing network of 131 stations to 186 distributed throughout the province. Nearly all agricultural land in the province will be located within 30 kilometers of a station compared to the previous 40 kilometers. These stations are highly monitored and maintained plus, provide the highest quality data. Producers can select whatever weather station they believe best represents their growing conditions, if the station falls within 100 kilometers of the land to be insured.
Posted March 1, 2019
