The Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association is encouraged by the provincial government's commitment to agricultural research in the 2013-14 Saskatchewan Agriculture budget. The $27.7 million budget represents double the investment from 2007 figures.
"Research is identified as one of the SCA's top priorities in its current Strategic Plan, with innovation and research crucial elements necessary to move the cattle industry forward," said SCA Chair Mark Elford.
Especially exciting is the commitment to funding a Forage Breeding Research Chair at the University of Saskatchewan. The SCA would like to see up to four new chairs in forage research established in the future, as this field of research has been neglected for many years and research capacity has been reduced to alarmingly low levels.
"Forages are the backbone of the cattle industry. The success of our industry depends on cattle producers having access to new technology and forage management processes that can only be developed with a strong forage research industry active in our region," said Elford.
The SCA noted the record funding allocated to Crop Insurance, with coverage of up to $194/acre for 2013, more than double that offered in 2007. The SCA does have concerns that while the crop production base is receiving the insurance protection it requires, the livestock production base does not have Forage Insurance and Cattle Price Insurance programs that provide effective risk management tools to the beef cattle industry. The SCA encourages the Ministry to accelerate the development and improvement of these necessary tools in the Ministry's agricultural insurance portfolio.
The SCA does appreciate the increase in Growing Forward 2 framework funding, as well as the commitment to hold the line on education property tax on farm land.
For more information on the SCA, visit saskbeef.com.
