BJORNERUD ANNOUNCES SASKATCHEWAN COYOTE CONTROL PROGRAM

Today, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced the Saskatchewan Coyote Control Program.

The program is intended to help the many farmers and ranchers who are having trouble with coyotes killing their livestock. The provincial government will pay hunters a bounty of $20 per coyote killed.

"Many Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers are struggling to protect their livestock from coyotes," Bjornerud said. "I hope this program helps address this serious issue and I appreciate SARM and its members working with us to deliver the program."

The Saskatchewan Coyote Control Program is a pilot program that will run until March 31, 2010, at which point the provincial government will consider extending it.

"In many areas of the province livestock producers have been experiencing losses due to the high coyote populations," SARM President David Marit said. "We appreciate the provincial government has recognized this problem and has introduced this new program."

"We are pleased Minister Bjornerud is keeping cattle producers' interests at the forefront," Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association Executive Member Ryan Thompson said. "The SCA applauds this step to assist producers in alleviating predation against livestock."

"It's good to see government taking action to try and solve this problem," Lipton area sheep producer and Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders Association Board member Martin Catto said.

For more information or to complete a declaration form, contact your local RM office, local Ministry of Agriculture Regional Office, visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca, or call 1-877-874-5365.

-30-

For more information, contact:

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