Farmers in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba facing financial troubles because of drought conditions, can get support from Farm Credit Canada.
Senior Vice-President of Operations in the Prairie Region with FCC, Shannon Weatherall, says several options are available depending on a farmer’s needs.
Deferral of principle payments and/or other loan payments are some supports FCC offers.
Weatherall says grain farmers are the most common customers they deal with, and the loan payment deferral is the most discussed program right now for customers.
“The grains and oilseeds customers are the largest portion of our portfolio in the Prairie provinces, and (drought is) also impacting livestock operations, particularly beef and dairy sectors, so there have been a number of calls for people wanting to talk and discuss their options; and it might be immediate or it might be looking forward to the future, but we’re always here to help.” Weatherall said.
She encourages producers to contact their FCC relationship manager or customer service centre to discuss their options.
Weatherall recommended producers check out a page on their website – www.fcc.ca/wellness – which contains a list of mental health supports available, should they need them.