SASKATCHEWAN CATTLE HERD NUMBERS HOLD IN SPITE OF DROUGHT

Released on February 21, 2003

Saskatchewan cattle farmers and ranchers have managed to maintain the cattle herd in spite of a difficult year of drought for some producers.

The latest Statistics Canada cattle inventory numbers show cattle numbers in Saskatchewan actually increased by one per cent during 2002.

"Coming through a year when some livestock producers faced tight feed supplies and poor pastures, Statistics Canada's confirmation that we have maintained our cattle herd is good news," Deputy Premier and Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby said.

"In spite of the drought, Saskatchewan producers took action to maintain their cattle herd base, which is positive for the continued growth of our beef industry."

Serby also emphasized the level of co-operation and good will shown across the province and country as people worked with livestock producers to open up additional grazing land, free up new feed sources such as greenfeed, and provide wintering arrangements.

To help producers battle the drought Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization introduced several initiatives: the Livestock Herd Retention Program; the Livestock Drought Loan Program; changes to Saskatchewan Crop Insurance, including the Forage Rainfall Program; water development initiatives; and technical assistance provided to livestock producers by department agrologists.

According to the Statistics Canada report, the number of cattle and calves on Saskatchewan farms as of January 1st, 2003 grew to 2,443,300 from 2,417,000 reported at the start of 2002.

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For More Information, Contact:

Trish Alcorn SAFRR Regina Phone: (306)787-5389 Email: palcorn@agr.gov.sk.ca