APPLICATION FORMS NOW AVAILABLE FOR LIVESTOCK LOAN PROGRAMS

Saskatchewan livestock producers can now apply for the Saskatchewan Short-Term Hog Loan Program and the Saskatchewan Short-Term Cattle Loan Program announced by the Province on December 21.

"We promised to act quickly to help livestock producers challenged by increases in feed prices and the value of the Canadian dollar," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "These programs, which we estimate will provide $90 million in support, will help producers through this current price downturn."

Application forms for the Saskatchewan Short-Term Hog Loan Program are being mailed directly to hog producers who are registered with the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board. The Saskatchewan Short-Term Cattle Loan program applications will be available at R.M. Offices and Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Offices throughout the province.

Both forms, as well as additional information about the programs, are also available on the Ministry of Agriculture web site at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.

The deadline for applications is March 31, 2008, for the cattle program and June 10, 2008, for the hog program.

Producers with questions on the programs can call toll-free 1-877-874-5365.

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For more information, contact:

Jenna Robertson
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jroberts@agr.gov.sk.ca