New Forage Research Chair at University of Saskatchewan

The governments of Saskatchewan and Canada are funding $1.25 million over five years for the creation of a forage research chair at the University of Saskatchewan.

The forage research chair will focus on forage breeding with an emphasis on developing new forage varieties with improved yields. A dedicated forage research chair will result in new options for Saskatchewan producers to help improve profitability, competitiveness and sustainability in the long-term.

The creation of a forage research chair addresses a recommendation from the Beef, Feed and Forage Review conducted in 2012. In addition, feedback from industry groups during the Growing Forward 2 consultations, including the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, Saskatchewan Forage Council and Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association, highlighted the need for increased investment in forage research.

The forage chair is part of a new Strategic Research Program at the University of Saskatchewan. Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested $17.69 million to support a total of 15 research chairs.