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The federal and provincial governments are giving a boost to livestock and forage research in Saskatchewan.
According to a Wednesday media release from the province, $7.5 million will head to the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).
That includes more than $4.1 million for 24 livestock and forage-related research projects, along with nearly $3.5 million in operational funding for the Prairie Swine Centre and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan.
“The projects announced today will help to advance important research so our farmers can find even more sustainable and efficient ways to produce this food and continue to grow the sector,” Marie-Claude Bibeau, the federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, said in the release.
“Through the ADF, producers benefit from research into new forage varieties, improved livestock feeding systems and management of animal diseases that drive industry growth,” added Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit.
“This year’s projects will expand the growth potential of the industry by exploring topics such as water quality, cost of production, diagnostics supports, animal health, forage production, quality and breeding. Innovation helps our producers meet the Saskatchewan Growth Plan objectives of increasing livestock cash receipts to $3 billion and increasing value-added revenue to $10 billion by 2030.”
The projects include a look at how removing sulphates from agricultural ponds improves cattle health, as well as a study of antimicrobial resistance using water bowls.
In addition to the funds committed by the two governments, nearly $324,00 will also be coming from the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, Saskatchewan Forage and Seed Development Commission, Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Development Commission, SaskMilk and Alberta Milk.
VIDO director Dr. Volker Gerts said his organization is thankful for the ongoing support through the ADF.
“Infectious diseases continue to threaten animal health and production, and this funding helps ensure our cutting-edge research and development benefits producers,” he stated.