MINISTER CALLS ON PRODUCERS WITH EXTRA PASTURE LAND

Released on June 29, 1998

Agriculture and Food Minister Eric Upshall is making a special call

for producers with excess pasture to list with the Feed Grain and

Forage Listing Service. The service connects those seeking grazing

land with producers who have pasture available for rent.



"The lack of early spring moisture and dry conditions for most of May

and early June have significantly reduced pasture carrying capacities

in some areas of the province," Upshall said. "The west side of the

province, in particular, faces a shortened grazing season and despite

the recent rains, extra pasture is still required. Some producers

need access to additional pasture, or they may eventually be forced to

reduce their herd size."



Upshall urges producers who require supplemental grazing to contact

the listing service for potential suppliers. The listing service can

be reached toll-free at 1-800-667-7564 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday

to Friday, or by contacting the local Rural Service Centre.

Information on available pasture land as well as feed grain and forage

supplies is compiled and published every second week, with copies sent

to Saskatchewan rural municipal offices and Rural Service Centres.



Producers with Internet access can submit and access listings

information at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's Internet site at:

http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/saf/stats_fls/



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For more information, contact:



Dale Sikora

Agriculture and Food

Regina

Phone: (306)787-5951