“We toured a region that has been devastated by this drought and meeting with producers and ranchers to listen to their voices and ideas on what needs to be done to help them get through this,” said Wotherspoon. “Many farm and ranch operations are struggling to salvage whatever they can in face of an incredibly bleak situation. They need and deserve support now.”
NDP MLAs met with ranchers and producers to tour pastures and crops near McCord and Rockglen.
“Saskatchewan’s farm families and producers have stood strong for us all throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s crucial that we work with our farmers and ranchers to fight the effects of drought and climate change both in the short and long term,” said Meili. “There is no long-term economic recovery for Saskatchewan without a thriving agriculture sector.”
“It was mind-blowing devastation, and hardship that we witnessed. These farmers have total crop loss, no feed, and water has gone dry. It was so important for us to be on the ground, and understand the gravity of the situation,” said Wotherspoon.
“This is a crisis situation for our proud producers and hard-working ranchers. These are the people who are so important to the province, to feeding our nation, and to the economy. So it is important right now that the province and federal government work together to ensure support for them, so their industry is not destroyed.”
“These strong, proud farmers and ranchers know what they are facing up against, and they are still out there trying to do what they can. It was gut wrenching to see standing crops that were totally lost and completely scorched. It was challenging for us to haul water side-by-side with these ranchers, because their water holes had dried up, and were dangerous to their cattle.”
“These farmers and ranchers and there to feed the world, and it is time that the country needs to be there for them,” added Wotherspoon.
