Agriculture producers can get compensation due to wildlife damage to some harvested and unharvested crops by enrolling in the Agriculture Wildlife Program.
You may qualify for compensation if unharvested forage crop (grass, cereals or legumes) intended for livestock feed has been damaged by wildlife. Stored feed losses are not eligible.
Crops are not eligible when:
Producers must be registered by the following dates each crop year:
Compensation is available for multiple cuts including aftermath grazing. If applying for aftermath grazing you must demonstrate that there is the ability and capacity to graze the field(s).
In order to be eligible for compensation you must:
* Automatic crop insurance registration does not preclude your obligations for loss reporting.
Compare undamaged areas of the field and help in the assessment of crop damage by using enclosures. Without enclosures compensation may be reduced.
Enclosures are the responsibility of the landowner and need to be placed in representative areas of the field where wildlife frequent.
The following guidelines should be followed when designing and locating a grazing enclosure:
Place the cages in areas that represent the areas in the field where damage will occur, typically beside forested areas, parts of fields near riparian areas or any other area where you commonly see wildlife impacts.
Stucco wire is best for deer and elk as chicken wire is too weak and flexible. Build the framework from 2”X4” lumber and place rebar metal posts/T-bar/wooden stakes 30 cm in the ground. Use an X frame across the top to stabilize. Use PVC pipe and hardwire cloth wire or fishnet for waterfowl.
Use livestock panels fastened together (four per cage) or anything that will not inhibit growth within the cage and will keep wildlife from grazing inside.
When placing enclosures be aware of:
Contact us for information on compensation if your livestock has been attacked by a predator.
250 712-3797 or toll free 1 888 332-3352
Report predator attacks to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service 1 877 952-7227
Contact us for advice and information about crop loss and damage due to wildlife.