PROVINCE ANNOUNCES $71 MILLION FOR CATTLE AND HOG PRODUCERS

Today, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced a $71 million Saskatchewan Cattle and Hog Support Program.

Saskatchewan cattle producers will be eligible for a $40 per head payment for all beef breeding cows and bred beef heifers owned as of January 1, 2009. Hog Producers will be eligible for $20 per market hog sold and $10 per head for all iso-weanlings, weanlings and feeder hogs produced between July 1, 2008, and January 31, 2009.

"The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the challenges cattle and hog producers continue to face," Bjornerud said. "This program will help producers retain their breeding herds and address immediate cash flow needs."

Cattle and hog producers continue to cope with low prices, high feed costs and limited market access. The provincial government has made repeated requests for a national livestock assistance program and changes to the AgriStability program. Despite these requests, the recent federal budget lacked significant support for the livestock sector and no additional federal assistance has been committed to date.

"In the absence of a national solution, we had to take action to help our producers," Bjornerud said. "We will continue to work with our federal counterparts toward a national solution. In the meantime, we urge the federal government to come to the table and top-up this program with their 60 per cent share, or provide some other form of meaningful support."

Application forms for the Saskatchewan Cattle and Hog Support Program are available from local RM offices, any Ministry of Agriculture Regional Office, by visiting www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca, by email at chspinquiry@gov.sk.ca or by calling toll-free 1-866-947-9113. The program application deadline is June 15, 2009.

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For more information, contact:

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca