Released on December 11, 2013
Advisory Committee Recommends New Industry-Led Approach to Inspection Services
Today, Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced that livestock industry organizations have formed a new corporation to deliver livestock brand inspection services in Saskatchewan.
Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) Corp. is the new non-profit corporation owned and operated by the five main livestock producer groups requiring inspection services. The groups governing LSS Corp. are the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association, Saskatchewan Horse Federation and Livestock Marketers of Saskatchewan. The new LSS Corp. will work to provide more efficient brand inspection in the province.
“The advisory committee we appointed to examine industry-led delivery options for brand inspection has recommended this approach following thorough analysis and consultation,” Stewart said. “This is an important service and, as producers and industry are the primary users of brand inspection, it makes sense to transfer it to livestock organizations.”
Livestock brand inspection services, which ensure animals offered for sale are rightfully owned and verified through a brand registry, have traditionally been provided in Saskatchewan through Ministry of Agriculture livestock inspectors. This government role was unique; no other agricultural commodity purchased or sold in Saskatchewan has a government service verifying ownership. Both Alberta and British Columbia have industry delivered livestock brand inspection. Manitoba has no brand inspection.
“The livestock industry in Saskatchewan is a vital contributor to the economy and brand inspection is an important safeguard to all producers,” Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Chair Mark Elford said. “Livestock Services of Saskatchewan Corp. will be carrying on this important function on a go-forward basis and our members are fully supportive of the new venture.”
The Provincial Government will continue to be responsible for legislation governing livestock inspection. The authority to carry out the duties of the legislation will be transferred to LSS Corp. on January 1, 2014. Ministry staff responsible for livestock inspection services will also move to the new organization. The Provincial Government will continue working with LSS Corp. to ensure a smooth transition.
“I would like to thank livestock industry representatives for their hard work on the advisory committee,” Stewart said. “We are committed to working with LSS Corp. on this transfer and I am confident they will deliver effective, efficient brand inspection in Saskatchewan.”
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For more information, contact:
Tiffany Stephenson
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4031
Email: tiffany.stephenson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-3851