Federal and provincial agriculture ministers have announced new funding to advance livestock and forage research in Saskatchewan, aimed at supporting producer competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation.
Heath MacDonald, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and David Marit, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Agriculture, confirmed a $4.5 million investment to support 25 new livestock- and forage-related research projects through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).
In addition, the ministers announced a renewed $3.9 million, multi-year partnership with two major research organizations: the Prairie Swine Centre and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization.
Research focused on productivity, animal health, and sustainability
Projects supported through the ADF are selected annually through a competitive process designed to identify research with strong potential to benefit Saskatchewan livestock producers. This year’s funded projects span a wide range of applied research topics relevant to both beef and dairy operations.
Key areas of focus include:
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Development of new hybrid bromegrass varieties with improved yield consistency and digestibility
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Exploration of biomarkers to support earlier and more reliable testing for Johne’s disease
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Advancing sustainable bison production through improved grazing strategies and prairie ecosystem preservation
Together, these projects aim to improve forage performance, strengthen animal health outcomes, and support long-term environmental stewardship across the livestock sector.
Industry partners help leverage research funding
In addition to government funding, this year’s ADF projects received $1.3 million in support from 13 industry partners. These contributions help align research investments with producer priorities and on-farm realities.
Industry partners include Alberta Beef Producers, Saskatchewan Cattle Association, Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission, Saskatchewan Pork Development Board, Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board, and the Western Dairy Research Collaboration, among others.
According to Chad Ross, chair of the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, research investment remains a critical driver of industry progress. He noted that this year’s projects focus on priority areas such as animal health, forage production, and water quality.
Part of a broader national agriculture strategy
The Agriculture Development Fund operates under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The framework includes $1 billion in federal programs and $2.5 billion in cost-shared funding, delivered on a 60 per cent federal and 40 per cent provincial basis.
Speaking to the broader impact of the announcement, MacDonald said continued investment in agricultural research helps strengthen one of Canada’s most important economic sectors and supports more efficient and sustainable production. Marit added that targeted research plays a key role in helping livestock producers adapt and remain competitive in a changing industry.
The newly funded projects will roll out over the coming years, with outcomes expected to support livestock producers across Saskatchewan and beyond.
