The province’s announcement of a new irrigation project near Lake Diefenbaker, is welcome news to some of Saskatchewan agricultural groups.

The 10-year, $4 billion project will create 500,000 acres of irrigable land.

Chair of the Saskatchewan Cattleman’s Association, Arnold Balicki, says this project is very beneficial to cattle producers in the province.

“This is certainly good news for the cattle industry, and the crop people as well,” said Balicki. “Of course, the SCA is very happy, it’s something we’ve been advocating for quite a number of years, so we’re really happy to see the government moving forward on it.”

Balicki says the irrigation will allow for more crops to be grown, which in turn, will leave more crop residue, and space to grow hay, for the cattle industry to use.

“When you see the crop residue, the straw, and the off-grade grains and using hay in the crop rotation, those are big plusses for us in the cattle industry,” said Balicki. “We could see where there could possibly be an increase in cattle numbers.”

Producers aren’t the only people happy with the announcement, as the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities shared their excitement.

SARM President Ray Orb says the project could significantly boost rural economies.

“It benefits our rural economy, and the farming community, whether its value adding,” said Orb. “It helps the municipality’s bottom line.”

The project is set to employ 2,500 new workers are year, for 10 years.