Today, federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced funding of $1.25 million over five years for the creation of a forage research chair at the University of Saskatchewan.
The forage research chair will focus on forage breeding with an emphasis on developing new forage varieties with improved yields. A dedicated forage research chair will result in new options for Saskatchewan producers to help improve profitability, competitiveness and sustainability in the long-term.
“The creation of the forage chair is a direct response to industry needs,” said Ritz. “Strengthening forage research capacity in Saskatchewan supports innovation for long-term profitability and sustainability for producers.”
“We have heard from industry that better forage varieties are needed to assist with the long-term growth of the livestock industry in Saskatchewan,” Stewart said. “The new forage research chair announced today is a good first step toward the expansion of Saskatchewan’s livestock and forage industries.”
The creation of a forage research chair addresses a recommendation from the Beef, Feed and Forage Review conducted in 2012. In addition, feedback from industry groups during the Growing Forward 2 consultations, including the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, Saskatchewan Forage Council and Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, highlighted the need for increased investment in forage research.
To read the complete SK Ministry of Agriculture News Release, click here.
Posted June 10, 2013
