Today Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced nearly $3.5 million in funding for 24 livestock and forage-related research projects.
Support for the projects is provided through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), part of the federal-provincial Growing Forward 2 agreement.
“Our government is proud to support research that helps our livestock producers solve problems and put more of their world-class beef products on the tables of families across the country and around the world,” MacAulay said. ”This investment helps position the sector to take advantage of the new opportunities we are opening up internationally and will put more money in the pockets of our ranchers."
“Saskatchewan is a world-class agricultural research hub and home to farmers and ranchers that excel at producing high-quality food,” Stewart said. “Continued investments in research through the ADF ensure we have the tools and knowledge to sustainably grow the livestock sector.”
ADF research seeks to increase productivity and to address emerging issues in Saskatchewan agriculture. Projects include research into the prevention of bovine respiratory disease, the effect of ergot-contaminated feed on bull fertility, the development of new forage varieties and the modification of swine diets to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, among others.
Industry groups are providing additional funding, totaling more than $280,000, to several of the ADF projects. Funding partners include Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF), Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) and SaskMilk.
“We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate on research,” SCA Chair Ryan Beierbach said. “Continual improvement in all areas of production, including how best to prevent animal disease and deliver animal nutrition, helps to secure a solid future for our beef industry.”
“We look forward to the knowledge that will result from important projects in areas such as influenza vaccine development and animal transport, and welcome today’s investment by the federal and provincial governments,” Sask Pork Chair Florian Possberg said.
Source : Government of Saskatchewan