BSE FEEDLOT SET-ASIDE PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM AVAILABLE

Saskatchewan feedlot producers can now register for the Canada-Saskatchewan Fed Cattle Set-Aside Program.

The form is available on the Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization (SAFRR) Web site at www.agr.gov.sk.ca, along with information on how to register. Producers can also call SAFRR toll-free at 1-877-874-5365.

The program, designed to keep market-ready feedlot cattle out of the marketplace until new beef slaughter capacity comes online, is part of the national strategy to reposition Canada's livestock industry in the wake of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).

"Saskatchewan committed $40 million on September 24th to help our livestock industry participate in the new national BSE programs," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "I am pleased to announce that the application form for the feedlot program is now available. Program details on the calf set-aside program will be available next week."

The province allocated $6.5 million of its $40 million industry commitment to support Saskatchewan feedlots. In addition to the fed cattle set-aside program, the province will spend $31 million on a feeder cattle set-aside program for cow-calf producers, $1 million to support national BSE testing targets in Saskatchewan and $1 million on programs that support ruminant livestock other than cattle.

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For More Information, Contact:

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