PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES INTEREST REBATE TO AID SUFFERING LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has signed an agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to access the benefit of the interest-free Advance Payments Program (APP) in the Livestock Loan Guarantee (LLG) program for Saskatchewan producers.

"I have heard first-hand in my conversations with members of the livestock industry that they need help," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "This rebate will not solve all the problems facing the Saskatchewan cattle industry, but it will provide benefits for producers planning to retain or purchase additional feeder cattle in the LLG program."

The LLG program will be administering the program for members of feeder associations in Saskatchewan. Producers who have feeder cattle loans through a feeder association can apply for an APP interest rebate. The rebate is calculated from the date of application to the date the loan is paid in full.

The LLG program is made up of 101 producer formed associations throughout the province that access funding for the purchase of livestock and the construction of feedlot facilities. The LLG program has provided in excess of $1.5 billion in financing for producers since the program was introduced in 1984.

APP applications are available from feeder associations across the province, or on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture web site, www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca, under Programs and Services.

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For more information, contact:

Scott Brown
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4031
Email: SBrown@agr.gov.sk.ca