SASKATOON – Federal and provincial governments announced funding of $1.25 million over five years on Monday for the creation of a dedicated forage research chair at the University of Saskatchewan.
The chair will focus on forage breeding with an emphasis on developing new forage varieties and options for Saskatchewan producers to help improve profitability, competitiveness and sustainability in the long-term.
Forage crops are grass and legume plant species that are grown for livestock feed as well as land conservation.
“Forages are an integral part of the cattle industry and it is important that producers have access to new technology and forage management processes,” said Mark Elford, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association chair.
The creation of a forage research chair addresses a recommendation from the Beef, Feed and Forage Review conducted last year. Feedback from various industry groups during the Growing Forward 2 consultations also highlighted the need for increased investment.
“We have heard from industry that better forage varieties are needed to assist with the long-term growth of the livestock industry in Saskatchewan,” said Lyle Stewart, provincial agriculture minister.
In January, federal funding of $148,000 was announced to secure a coordinator for the newly-formed Saskatchewan Forage Network to help build partnerships and promote industry-wide dialogue.
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