On Wednesday Saskat-chewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and Member of Parliament Brad Trost (Saskatoon-Humboldt), announced $3.5 million in livestock and forage-related research funding from the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). This funding is being awarded to 26 livestock and forage-related research projects.
"The livestock and forage sectors continue to be a valuable part of our agriculture industry and provincial economy," Bjornerud says. "This research funding will lead to long-term benefits for producers, who are continually looking at new innovations and technologies to meet a growing demand for their products."
"Innovative solutions help make our livestock producers more competitive, which results in a stronger economy," Trost adds. "We're pleased to continue to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan to support these types of projects."
Livestock and forage-related research projects receiving funding in 2012 include: genetic improvements to forage crops; analyzing corn grazing methods to extend the grazing season; analyzing mineral levels in pastures to determine mineral supplement programs; controlling prevalent and emerging diseases in poultry, cattle and swine; pellet quality, diet analysis and nutritional enhancements for cattle and bison; improving radio frequency identification tag retention in cattle; and improving feed intake and growth of piglets.
"These research projects will lead to new innovations and technologies to help cow-calf producers improve their production, lower costs and increase profits," Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Harold Martens states.
This research funding is in addition to the $8.3 million recently announced for crop-related research projects. In total, approximately $11.8 million in 2012 ADF funding is being provided.
