$7 MILLION FOR LIVESTOCK AND FORAGE-RELATED RESEARCH PROJECTS

Released on January 21, 2011

Record Funding for Livestock and Forage Research

Today, Member of Parliament, Randy Hoback (Prince Albert), on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced more than $7 million in livestock and forage-related research funding from the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). This record amount of ADF livestock and forage funding is being awarded to 27 research projects. In addition, this funding includes new five-year operating grants for the Prairie Swine Centre and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with Saskatchewan to deliver leading-edge innovation to our livestock producers across the province," said Hoback. "Innovative solutions help make our livestock producers more competitive which results in new market opportunities, increased profitability and stronger provincial and Canadian economies."

"Livestock and forage producers are vital to the success of our agriculture industry in Saskatchewan," Bjornerud said. "This research funding will help to further develop and advance the industry and will result in long-term benefits for producers at the farm gate."

Livestock and forage-related research projects that will receive funding in 2011 include:

• evaluating zero-till openers for pasture rejuvenation;
• evaluating strategies to more effectively utilize cool season corn for livestock grazing;
• determining optimal maturity when cutting crops for swath grazing;
• evaluating canola meal as a protein and energy source for cattle;
• assessing brome grass varieties for improved lamb performance;
• improving the feed value of vegetable proteins for use in poultry feed;
• developing new vaccines against infectious diseases in swine, cattle and poultry;
• improving feed use efficiency in dairy production;
• a five-year operating grant to the Prairie Swine Centre; and
• a five-year operating grant to the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization.

This livestock and forage-related research funding is in addition to the recently announced $7.4 million in ADF funding for crop-related projects. In total, nearly $14.5 million - a record amount of ADF funding - is being provided for 71 crop, livestock and forage-related research projects in 2011.

"Research is critical to the success of our industry and this funding is an investment in our future," Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association Chair Jack Hextall said. "These projects will pay dividends to cattle producers down the road."

"This research funding will benefit cow-calf producers in the long-term and at the farm gate by improving production methods and helping to lower costs," Saskatchewan Stock Growers President Calvin Knoss said.

"We are pleased the federal and provincial governments are providing this funding to further advance the swine industry and address issues such as improved vaccines and cost of production," Sask Pork Chair Jay McGrath said.

"Producers are continually looking for ways to improve production and lower cost," Saskatchewan Forage Council President Leam Craig said. "We appreciate this funding, which will result in new technologies and improved forage varieties."

ADF provides funding to help institutions, companies and industry organizations conduct research, development and value-added activities that will benefit Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers. A complete list of all projects is available at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/ADF.

This ADF funding is being provided under the federal-provincial Growing Forward framework.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Patrick Boyle
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: Patrick.Boyle@gov.sk.ca

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