Another funding commitment through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit announced $6.6-million over 5 years in support of the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence.

Marit says the funding will help the Centre’s ongoing research on beef, bison and forage that supports growth of the livestock industry.

“It’s a state-of-the-art facility…that looks at all aspects of the livestock sector,” Marit said. “Obviously the livestock industry in this province is an important part of our economy and our growth and we want to ensure that and make sure the livestock industry has all the tools they need to produce high-quality beef and bison here in the Province of Saskatchewan.”

Marit says the great thing about the Centre is it attracts bright young minds in Saskatchewan, across Canada, and internationally.

“It’s great to see those bright young minds want to stay here in the province, whether they work in conjunction with the University or somebody else or if they decide to take a career with the Ministry of Agriculture, we’re always looking to bright young minds and hopefully we can attract and keep those minds here.” he added.

“The livestock sector plays a key role in the overall sustainability of Canada’s agricultural industry,” said Bibeau. “Investments in research, and getting that research into the hands of producers, provide tools to help the sector become more resilient, address challenges and seize opportunities to continue opening new markets.

The Centre’s Director, Dr. Scott Wright, said in a news release this funding will enable them to grow capacity in the livestock and forage sectors through “the dynamic and innovative integrated research, education, and outreach” conducted at the centre by students, scientists, and their staff team.

The funding announcement was made this week at LFCE’s Summer Field Day, presented by Canadian Western Agribition.