The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are investing a combined $7.2 million in livestock and forage-related scientific research in Saskatchewan for 2025. The funding includes $6.9 million jointly provided by the federal and provincial governments, with an additional $216,000 contributed by industry partners.
This investment is part of Saskatchewan’s 2024-25 agriculture research budget, which allocates $37 million for research initiatives. Delivered through the province’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), the funding will support 30 research projects focused on advancing livestock and forage production.
Advancing Agricultural Innovation Each year, ADF projects are selected through a competitive process aimed at identifying research with the potential to enhance innovation, profitability, and competitiveness in Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector. This year’s funded projects cover a range of critical topics, including:
- Strengthening research capacity in pathogen detection and vaccine development to control infectious diseases, including those with pandemic potential.
- Assessing the combined effects of prescribed fire and post-fire herbicide applications in managing woody plant species like snowberry in rangelands.
- Investigating the impact of trace-mineral supplementation on feeder calves’ vaccine response.
Industry Collaboration The initiative is a collaborative effort between government and industry partners, ensuring research aligns with sector priorities. This year, additional funding contributions were provided by:
- Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association
- Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission
- SaskPork
- Western Dairy Research Collaboration (BC Dairy, Alberta Milk, SaskMilk, and Dairy Farmers of Manitoba)
Government and Industry Perspectives Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration: “We’re working with provinces and territories to deliver vital programming through Sustainable CAP. Our shared investment in ADF research projects will drive growth and keep Canada’s agriculture sector at the cutting edge.”
Saskatchewan’s Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison highlighted the role of innovation: “Staying competitive requires continuous innovation. This investment supports Saskatchewan’s livestock producers in adopting world-class scientific advancements that drive industry progress.”
Keith Day, Chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, underscored the significance of government support: “Research investment is critical for our industry. We appreciate the recognition of its value, particularly in the areas of animal health and forage production.”
Background on Sustainable CAP and ADF Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion initiative funded by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments to support the agri-food sector. It includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment, cost-shared at 60% federal and 40% provincial/territorial, for programs designed and administered by individual provinces and territories. The ADF is one of Saskatchewan’s key mechanisms for funding agricultural research that benefits producers and industry stakeholders.
This strategic investment underscores Canada and Saskatchewan’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture, ensuring the sector remains competitive on both national and global stages.
