DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR CULL ANIMAL PROGRAM EXTENDED

The Province has agreed to administer the federal Cull Animal Program for livestock producers, and has extended the deadline to register for both the federal and provincial programs to March 12th, 2004.

"The federal government recently removed the slaughter requirement from its Cull Animal Program," Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Mark Wartman said. "Because of the change, the registration deadline for the Saskatchewan and federal Cull Animal Programs has been extended.

"In addition, Saskatchewan has agreed to assist the federal government by delivering the federal Cull Animal Program in Saskatchewan. This single-window delivery system will streamline the process for producers and speed the delivery of program payments."

The federal government expects to have their program funds available by late March, at which time the province will issue the federal Cull Animal Program payments. Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization has been flowing payments under the Saskatchewan Cull Animal Program since the end of January.

Producers who have already registered for the Saskatchewan Cull Animal Program are automatically eligible for a payment under both the Saskatchewan and federal programs and should not register a second time.

The Cull Animal Programs cover breeding stock for beef, dairy, bison, elk, deer, sheep and goat producers. Registration forms are available from Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's Web site at www.agr.gov.sk.ca, or at rural service centres and rural municipal offices.

More information can also be obtained by calling 1-866-621-3224.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031