Saskatchewan’s livestock producers will benefit from new research funding and a major update to a key insurance program, Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit announced Wednesday.

The province is investing $4.5 million in livestock and forage research through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), part of an ongoing commitment in the 2025-26 budget of more than $37 million for agricultural research.

Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross says investment in research is critical for the industry. "We appreciate government investment in our research priorities, which focus on animal health, forage production and water quality this year."

This year's livestock and forage projects include a range of topics such as developing new types of hybrid bromegrass with more consistent yield and improved digestibility; exploring biomarkers to develop an earlier and more reliable test for Johne's disease; and enhancing sustainable bison production through improved grazing strategies and the preservation of prairie ecosystems in Saskatchewan.

Funding aimed at practical livestock research

Marit highlighted another project that will work to refine acceptable levels of ergot in feed grain.

“We are investing in research that will deliver innovation to livestock producers, helping them to adapt, stay competitive and thrive in an everchanging industry,

Marit also highlighted the role of industry partnerships in leveraging research investments. He noted that private sector funding in the livestock research stream again exceeds $1 million, and said overall, agricultural research in Saskatchewan has shown a strong return on investment.

“For every dollar we invest in research, it’s a return of $33 back to producers here in the province of Saskatchewan,” Marit said.

This year's ADF projects were supported by an additional $1.3 million from 13 industry partners, including:

• Alberta Beef Producers;
• Alfalfa Seed Commission of Alberta;
• Canadian Poultry Research Council;
• Manitoba Forage Seed Association;
• Results Driven Agricultural Research;
• Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Development Commission;
• Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission;
• Saskatchewan Cattle Association;
• Saskatchewan Chicken Industry Development Fund;
• Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission;
• Saskatchewan Pork Development Board;
• Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board; and
• Western Dairy Research Collaboration.

The province also renewed multi-year partnerships with research organizations, including the Prairie Swine Centre and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, committing roughly $3.9 million over five years to support ongoing research.

Province makes changes to FRIP

Marit also announced changes to the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program (FRIP). Under the updated system, satellite data will replace the network of weather stations previously used to determine insurance triggers.

“This way, through the satellite imagery, we did the pilot last year in some parts of the southwest part of the province that went very well for us,” Marit said. “So now we have totally implemented it. We will be getting the information out to our producers sometime here in February, where they can look at their applications.”

The satellite-based system delivers rainfall and forage data down to the township level, addressing complaints producers have had that the old weather stations could be “hit or miss.” Marit said producers enrolled in the current FRIP will be automatically transitioned to the satellite system, and will receive new coverage and premium details later this year.

“The number was growing,” Marit said of FRIP participation in recent years, adding he anticipates the improved accuracy will encourage more producers to enroll. “I think now with the satellite imagery … we’ll probably see more just because it’s just going to be a lot more accurate for the farmers and ranchers to utilize.”

What this means for producers

Producers should expect outreach and application materials for the updated FRIP program in February. The use of satellite technology is intended to give ranchers and farmers more precise assessments of forage and moisture conditions across their lands.

Officials say the combination of research funding and program modernization reflects the province’s strategy to strengthen the livestock sector’s competitiveness and resilience amid evolving environmental and economic conditions.

Source - https://www.discovermoosejaw.com