By Kaitlin Burns, Agriculture Programs Specialist, Prince Albert
March 2025
Whether you’re growing crops, producing livestock or looking for expert advice to enhance your operation, the Ministry of Agriculture offers a wide range of extension services and funding opportunities to help you plant the seeds for success. Below are some of the current services and programs available to assist Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers.
Extension Services
The Ministry of Agriculture offers extension services to provide farmers and ranchers with information and resources that may support their operations. Our extension specialists share production and management expertise through in-person events, webinars, meeting clients in their field or in our office, phone calls, text messages, emails, radio ads and Sask Ag Now articles. Here are some of the services available:
- Feed testing, water testing and ration formulation: Livestock and feed extension specialists can assist with feed and water testing, interpret results and provide guidance on maintaining or improving animal health and productivity.
- Crop production advice: Crop extension specialists offer guidance on crop rotations, fertility, pesticide use and weed management for annual crops.
- Forage production advice: Range management extension specialists provide support for establishing and maintaining perennial stands, including forage species selection, fertility and weed control.
- Agri-environmental risks and solutions: Agri-environmental specialists assist in identifying and managing environmental risks related to livestock production and deliver the Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program.
- Program support: Agriculture programs specialists can provide guidance on Ministry programs and other programs and resources that may be relevant to your operation.
- Farm Stress Line: Producers can call the confidential, 24/7 Farm Stress Line at 1-800-667-4442 for mental health support.
For more information, call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377, and we will connect you with the right specialist.
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) Programming
Full program details are available on the Sustainable CAP webpage, where programs are categorized into: Programs for Farmers and Ranchers, Programs for Agri-business or Industry Organizations and Programs for Research. Visitors can navigate the site and explore programs of interest, including:
- Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP): Provides rebates for wells, pipelines, dugouts, well decommissioning and small dams.
- Irrigation Program: Supports irrigation project development and improves water and energy efficiency.
- Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program Offers funding for practices that enhance the environmental resilience of agricultural land.
- Crown Land Pasture Association Invasive Weed Program: Provides assistance to pasture associations on agricultural Crown land to help manage and control weeds.
- Livestock Facility Emissions Program: Aids intensive hog or sheep operations to adopt practices and technologies that will improve environmental performance.
- Animal Health and Biosecurity Program: Encourages participation in biosecurity and animal welfare initiatives by supporting awareness and education, veterinary or expert assessments, audits and funding equipment.
- Pest Biosecurity Program: Delivered by Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) to address pest management.
- Agriculture Awareness Initiative Program (AAIP): Helps individuals and organizations to build awareness and trust in modern agriculture.
- Farm Safety Initiatives: Provides funding for organizations to promote safe farming practices.
- Agriculture Student Scholarship: Awards scholarships to students who share stories about agriculture.
- Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program: Prepares young industry professionals for leadership roles, administered by Canadian Western Agribition.
To learn about eligibility, funding levels, or expenses covered by these programs, contact your local agriculture programs specialist or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.