BSE SUPPORT PROGRAMS END AS U.S. BORDER OPENS

Released on July 20, 2005

With the resumption of movement of Canadian cattle less than 30 months of age across the United States border, two Canada-Saskatchewan BSE support programs will end effective July 20th, 2005.

The two programs being terminated are the Canada-Saskatchewan Feeder Calf Set Aside Program, and the Canada Saskatchewan Fed Cattle Set Aside Program. No further payments will be made under the programs.

Producers may now market their program livestock without restriction. Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food will mail program participants a letter in the near future, officially confirming their animals were released from the program effective July 20th, 2005.

"We supported our livestock producers during the border closure, while at the same time we sought and implemented long-term solutions to the BSE crisis," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "We remain committed to a growing, prosperous and sustainable livestock industry in Saskatchewan."

On July 27th, 2005, a U.S. District Court Judge in Montana will begin to hear an application by R-Calf United Stock Growers of America for a permanent injunction on imports of live Canadian cattle and boneless boxed beef from Canadian cattle less than 30 months of age. Wartman said further announcements will be made in the event of a change in the border status.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031 Cell: (306) 536-3851