A fresh round of funding is heading to Saskatchewan’s livestock and forage sector, with new projects aimed at productivity, animal health and long-term sustainability.
Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced $4.5 million to support 25 new research projects through the Agriculture Development Fund.
The ministers also confirmed a renewed $3.9 million, multi-year partnership with two Saskatchewan-based research leaders, the Prairie Swine Centre and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization.
“Investments in agricultural research drive innovation across the sector and strengthen one of Canada’s most important economic engines,” MacDonald said.
“These investments will help ensure producers can operate more efficiently and sustainably, today and into the future,” he said.
Marit said the province is focused on research that delivers practical results for producers on the ground.
“We are investing in research that will deliver innovation to livestock producers, helping them to adapt, stay competitive and thrive in an everchanging industry,” Marit said.
What the research will focus on
Projects are chosen through an annual competitive process designed to keep Saskatchewan’s livestock sector innovative and profitable.
This year’s funded work includes developing new hybrid bromegrass varieties with more consistent yields and improved digestibility, exploring biomarkers for earlier and more reliable detection of Johne’s disease, and strengthening sustainable bison production through improved grazing strategies that also protect prairie ecosystems.
The governments are also leveraging industry support. An additional $1.3 million came from 13 industry partners across Western Canada, including cattle, poultry, forage, dairy and pork organizations.
“Investment in research is critical for our industry,” Saskatchewan Cattle Association chair Chad Ross said.
“We appreciate government investment in our research priorities, which focus on animal health, forage production and water quality this year,” Ross said.
Part of a larger ag funding plan
The Agriculture Development Fund operates under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5 billion federal, provincial and territorial initiative to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
For Saskatchewan producers, the funding signals continued emphasis on practical research with real-world applications, from healthier animals to better forage and long-term land stewardship.
A full list of funded projects is available through the Saskatchewan government website.
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