Governments Announce $3.8 Million for Livestock and Forage Research

Released on January 21, 2015

Today Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced nearly $3.8 million in funding for 30 livestock and forage research projects.  Funding is provided through the province’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).

“The livestock and forage sectors each make important contributions to the growth and prosperity of our rural communities and economy, said Ritz.  “Our government is proud to help producers increase their productivity and profitability through research and new innovations like vaccines and improvements in feed.”

“Investments in research help keep our livestock industry growing and strong,” Stewart said.  “The knowledge that will result from the projects receiving funding will ensure our farmers and ranchers remain competitive into the future.”

Some of the projects to receive funding include research to improve cow and calf performance through diet, develop new forage lines to extend the spring grazing season and investigate options for recycling baler twine and net wrap.  Three projects will look at controlling Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED), a virus that does not pose a risk to human health or food safety but can cause significant death in pig herds.

Third party support contributes additional funds to many of these ADF projects, with several industry partner organizations committing an amount totalling nearly $1.2 million.  Co-funding groups include Western Grains Research Foundation, SaskMilk and Sask Pork, among others. 

Earlier this month, the federal and provincial governments announced nearly $6.9 million for 42 crop-related research projects, bringing this year’s total ADF investment to approximately $10.7 million. 

“Investments in research translate into clear benefits for cattle producers, and enable us to continue to produce high quality products in a sustainable manner,” Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Chair Paula Larson said.  “We welcome today’s funding announcement.”

“The tools developed through research help to keep our industry on the leading edge and contribute to increased profitability at the farm gate,” Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Doug Gillespie said.

“Investing in the development of improved forage varieties and production practices will assist producers in addressing efficiencies, ultimately having a positive impact on Saskatchewan's environment and economy,” Saskatchewan Forage Council President Kelly Williamson said.

“Efforts to better understand and control the PED virus and emerging diseases are vital to the competitiveness of our industry,” Sask Pork’s Chair Florian Possberg said.  “Engineering advances in air quality systems will enhance the health and welfare of sows as producers transition from individual pens to group sow housing.”

Support for ADF projects is provided under Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.  A complete list of funded projects is available at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/ADF.

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For more information, contact:

Angela Hall
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: angela.hall@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0521

Jeff English
Office of Gerry Ritz
Phone: 613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 613-773-7972