Harper Government Supports Forage Sector With $148,000 Investment

Jan 22, 2013

Newly Formed Saskatchewan Forage Network to Benefit from Government Investment

Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced on Tuesday, that the government will invest $148,000 in assistance to the newly formed Saskatchewan Forage Network.

"Forages are a core driver of the Saskatchewan economy, and we are pleased to support the sector in developing an efficient and coordinated approach," Minister Ritz said in a press release.

The money will go towards assisting the network to build a forage research capacity, assist facilitating access to project funds, and help with providing the tools necessary to develop a coordinated technology transfer to the industry.

"This project is coming at a key time for the forage industry, as we are currently facing a serious lack of investment in forage research and program funding, both in Saskatchewan and across Canada. Funding for this project will be used to consult with and bring together stakeholders in a coordinated effort on forage-related issues facing the industry," said Aaron Ivey, President of the SFC and Chair of the Forage Network Steering Committee.

The investment is made possible through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program, which is a five-year initiative to provide a boost to Canada’s agricultural sector.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.