Government of Canada Invests Over $5 Million for Livestock Research in Manitoba

February 22, 2008

BRANDON, Manitoba – The Government of Canada, the Government of Manitoba and the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association (MCPA) today announced a five-year research agreement to develop improved production strategies for beef producers in Western Canada that will reduce their dependence on grain-based systems of production.

Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon–Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, was joined by James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk–Interlake, the Honourable Rosann Wowchuk, Minister of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives and Martin Unrau, MCPA President to announce details of the agreement at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) Research Centre in Brandon.

The three-party agreement includes Government of Canada in-kind support through the AAFC Brandon Research Centre estimated at $4 million over five years.

"The Government of Canada is committed to putting farmers first. Investing in science and innovation is one of the keys to a vibrant agriculture and agri-food sector that benefits everyone – our farmers, industry and all Canadians," said Mr. Tweed. "Today, we're proud to be here to announce an agreement that will help to improve the bottom lines of our beef producers. Developing new feeding technology will ensure the long-term competitiveness of the cattle sector."

The Government of Manitoba will also provide in-kind support through allocation of staff specifically for business and economic analysis and technology transfer of the research originating from the federal research program estimated at $900,000 over five years.

"Changes in feed costs have had a major impact on the competitiveness of the Manitoba beef industry," said Minister Wowchuk. "This agreement will help develop improved production strategies for beef producers and help maintain the solid reputation our beef producers have achieved for sound management and quality beef production."

The MCPA is providing a financial contribution of $250,000 as well as in-kind support costs of $50,000 over five years.

"These investments in research by both industry and government are essential in ensuring the long-term health of the cattle industry in Manitoba and Canada," said Joe Bouchard, MCPA Vice President and chairperson of the association's Research Committee. "Cattle producers are always looking to improve their production methods to stay ahead of the competition in a tough global market. This research project continues that tradition of innovation."

This three-party research collaboration will help to develop new production strategies for grass and forage feeding systems for beef cattle as well as the use of grain processing by-products.