Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture David Marit announced a $4.5 million investment to support 25 new livestock and forage research projects in Saskatchewan through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). The funding aims to help livestock producers remain innovative, profitable, and competitive by advancing applied research that addresses industry priorities.
In addition, the ministers confirmed a renewed $3.9 million, multi-year partnership with the Prairie Swine Centre (PSC) and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), two internationally recognized research institutions. These partnerships will strengthen research on livestock health, disease prevention, and sustainable production practices.
The selected projects cover a broad range of topics, including the development of hybrid bromegrass with more consistent yields and improved digestibility, the identification of biomarkers for earlier and more reliable Johne’s disease testing, and strategies to enhance sustainable bison production while preserving Saskatchewan’s prairie ecosystems.
The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan collaborate closely with industry partners to leverage funding and ensure research aligns with sector needs. For 2026, 13 industry partners contributed an additional $1.3 million to support the ADF projects, including associations representing beef, poultry, pork, sheep, forage, barley, and dairy sectors.
The ADF is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5 billion federal-provincial-territorial investment designed to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. Of this, $1 billion is federally funded, while $2.5 billion is cost-shared between federal and provincial governments for programs delivered by provinces and territories.
Federal Minister MacDonald emphasized that agricultural research drives innovation and strengthens one of Canada’s key economic sectors, ensuring producers can operate efficiently and sustainably. Minister Marit highlighted the importance of research in helping livestock producers adapt, remain competitive, and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Industry leaders, including the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, welcomed the investment, noting its critical role in supporting research priorities such as animal health, forage production, and water quality.
