Federal, Saskatchewan Governments Invest in Livestock, Forage Research

Jan 23, 2026

New funding has been announced for livestock and forage research in Saskatchewan, aiming to strengthen innovation, sustainability and long-term competitiveness across the sector.

The federal and provincial governments on Tuesday jointly announced $4.5 million in support of 25 new livestock and forage-related research projects through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). The funding is targeted at advancing applied research that delivers practical outcomes for producers.

In addition, the governments confirmed a renewed, multi-year $3.9-million partnership with two of Western Canada’s leading research institutions — the Prairie Swine Centre (PSC) and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO). Both organizations play a critical role in animal health, biosecurity, and production efficiency research.

Projects funded through the ADF are selected annually through a competitive process designed to identify research with strong potential to improve profitability and resilience on Saskatchewan farms. This year’s projects span a wide range of priorities, including the development of new hybrid bromegrass varieties with more consistent yields and improved digestibility, research into biomarkers to support earlier and more reliable testing for Johne’s disease, and initiatives focused on enhancing sustainable bison production through improved grazing strategies and prairie ecosystem preservation.

The funding model also emphasizes collaboration with industry. In addition to government support, 13 industry partners contributed an additional $1.3 million toward this year’s research projects, helping ensure studies align closely with producer needs and real-world challenges.

Source : Syngenta.ca

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.