Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced a $4 million investment to assist in the construction of a new Dairy Research and Teaching Facility at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S).
"Investments in results based research and innovation have always been and will continue to be a priority of this government," said Ritz. "An up-to-date dairy research facility is something this province has needed for a long time, so we're happy to join with the province, industry and the U of S to make this happen."
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is investing $2 million while Western Economic Diversification Canada will deliver $1 million to the project. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture will contribute $1 million. Federal funding will support the purchase of specialized equipment for milking, feeding, animal handling and ventilation, among other things. Provincial funding will go toward construction costs and state-of-the-art equipment to enhance dairy research in Saskatchewan.
"Dairy producers in Saskatchewan are an important part of our agriculture industry and this research facility will play a large role in its future," Bjornerud said. "This funding will lead to new research and innovation that will add value to our Saskatchewan products and benefit producers at the farmgate."
Research undertaken at the new facility will benefit dairy producers in many areas of production, including the creation of new and innovative rations. This will also lead to further opportunities for grain and forage producers in Saskatchewan. This new facility will also ensure students at the University of Saskatchewan continue to receive quality education and training.
Other organizations contributing support to the renewal of the Dairy Facility include the University of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Milk Marketing Board and SaskCanola.
"Today's funding for a new dairy research and teaching facility helps us build on our tradition of preeminence in agriculture, food and bioproducts research," U of S President Peter MacKinnon said. "This facility complements other key investments with our partners, such as the Grains Innovation Laboratory, the phytotron and the upcoming Canadian Feed Research Centre to create opportunities and help our agriculture industry stay competitive."
"This federal and provincial funding will greatly help to renew this important facility and ensure the long term success of the dairy industry and the provincial agriculture sector," Saskatchewan Milk Marketing Board Chair Blaine McLeod said. "Ongoing research and partnerships are critical to our future and we are pleased to work with industry, the University of Saskatchewan and both levels of government on this project."
"Canola producers are continually looking for opportunities to expand our markets," SaskCanola Chairman Brett Halstead said. "The research that will take place at this facility will help to examine the benefits of canola meal in dairy production and benefit our entire industry."