Released on November 23, 2011
Today, at Canadian Western Agribition, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced $375,000 in funding for a beef genomics research project led by the Canadian Simmental Association.
"Research is an important part of our agriculture industry and essential to ensuring our farmers and ranchers remain at the forefront of production throughout the world," Bjornerud said. "This funding will improve the competitiveness of our beef industry and help producers continue to provide safe, high-quality products to feed a growing world population."
The Enhancing Canadian Beef Production through Genomic Innovation project aims to develop genetic selection tools that will allow producers to better identify and utilize superior genetics to improve the quality of their product. The project will initially identify superior genetics within Simmental-influenced cattle to improve carcass compositions and beef quality. The tools developed by this project are not limited to Simmental breeds and will benefit the entire cattle industry.
The project has also received funding from the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
"This generous contribution from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, the Canadian Simmental Association, and our project partners allows us to continue to work to ensure Canada's seedstock sector is at the forefront of genetic research and ultimately global competitiveness," past Canadian Simmental Association president Rick McIntyre siad. "This project will assist all Canadian cattle producers in our ongoing efforts to supply premium beef to both the domestic and international marketplaces."
Provincial funding was provided through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). ADF provides funding to help institutions, companies and industry organizations conduct research, development and value-added activities that will benefit Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers. In 2011, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture committed $14.5 million for 71 ADF projects.
For more information about ADF, visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/ADF. For more information on the Canadian Simmental Association, visit www.simmental.com.
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For more information, contact:
Patrick Boyle
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: Patrick.Boyle@gov.sk.ca