Farmers to get more compensation for damage to livestock caused by wildlife

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Members of the Rainy River Federation of Agriculture (RRFA) learned more about a program that will see them get more compensation from the government when wildlife damages their livestock.
The new and improved Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (OWDCP) took effect July 1st of this year.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture Senior Policy Researcher Peter Jefferey, was the guest speaker at the RRFA’s annual meeting on Saturday in Stratton.
Jefferey explained how the OWDCP has been improved from increasing compensation to expanding the lists of predators and livestock covered.
Previously farmers could file for compensation if damage was caused by only wolves, coyotes and bears. Now those predators are joined by foxes, fishers, cougars, lynx, bobcats, ravens, crows, eagles, hawks, turkey vultures, weasels, raccoons, mink and elk.
RRFA member Rick Boersema asked Jefferey if magpies were a problem in Southern Ontario. “We have never seen them but I heard about them when I toured the area today,” said Jefferey. While they are not included on the list of predators, Jefferey said the new OWDCP will be up for review in two years, at which time RRFA members could encourage the government to add them.
Eligible livestock now includes cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, farmed fur, bison, deer, elk, alpaca, llama, donkey, mule, ostrich, emu and rhea.
Compensation has been boosted as well. Registered cattle can now fetch $8,000 per head, non-registered $2,500. Under the old program the max. was $1,000.
The OWDCP does not cover damage to crops by wildlife. “How long before we get crop compensation for this? asked Boersema. Jefferey said, “The plan is to begin working on it very shortly. So probably a year to 18 months.”
“Many organizations, including this one (RRFA) have been sending resolutions asking for this for forty years. It is too long to wait,” said Boersema.
Jefferey said, “I agree. But up until recently the province did not want to talk about it. They have now agreed to look at this.”
Boersema said he found out that Manitoba has it and wanted to know why Ontario doesn’t.
“Some provinces do offer it, but it is not universal across Canada,” said Jefferey.