Submitted
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is coordinating the Argo Wildfire Benefit Concert as part of its Wildfire Relief Fund to help Argo area ranchers affected by the mid-April wildfire. The benefit will take place on Saturday, July 6 at the Jubilee Stadium in Biggar.
“By bringing together the community, this benefit is a way to support those cattle producers affected by the wildfire,” stated SSGA President Bill Huber.
Shortly after the April fire, SSGA launched a Wildfire Relief Fund to help ranchers in the Argo area affected by the wildfire. Over 22,000 acres of grass pastures were lost and at least 75 miles of fences were destroyed. For cattle producers, the losses are a devastating setback at this time of the year, just when cattle need to be turned out to pasture. There are reports of some producers losing up to 80 per cent of their grazing pasture for the year.
This means that, in the short term, cattle producers will have to buy feed and rent summer grazing land to replace lost grass which may need up to two years to recover.
“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Agro Wildfire Benefit Concert,” said Darrell Crabble, SWF Executive Director. “Most ranchers provide access to Saskatchewan’s hunting and angling community, and we felt playing a role in this event provides the SWF an opportunity to return their ongoing support. Ranchers provide crucial wildlife habitat and support healthy wildlife populations through stewardship of the land.”
“We’re asking our members, and everyone who can help, to pull together for those in the ranching community who suffered losses due to the wildfire,” Huber said.
The benefit event will include a concert, live auction and dance. Tickets are available in advance for $25 or at the door for $30. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the concert starting at 8:00 p.m. For tickets, contact the Biggar & District Credit Union or SSGA at (306) 757-8523 or online.
