$6.6M boost for USask’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence

Jun 28, 2023

Saskatchewan’s minister of agriculture, the Honourable David Marit, announced funding today on behalf of the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan of $6.6 million over five years for the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).

The investment demonstrates the federal and provincial governments’ strong commitment to advancing the livestock and forage industries across Saskatchewan and beyond, said centre director Dr. Scott Wright (PhD).

“We are grateful to both levels of government for providing this critical funding,” said Wright.

“It will enable us to do our part and further leverage this funding to grow capacity in these sectors through the dynamic and innovative integrated research, education, and outreach conducted at our centre by students and university faculty scientists. In addition, we are building a solid, science-based staff to enhance research, teaching, and industry engagement.”

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Video: Environmental Effects on Sow Fertility - Dr. Isabela Bez

In this special episode celebrating International Women's Day of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, we bring Dr. Isabela Bez, a veterinarian and PhD student in Brazil, who explains how temperature and light regimes influence sow reproductive performance. She discusses seasonal infertility, climate adaptation, and why environmental monitoring inside barns is critical for herd efficiency. The episode highlights practical management strategies to reduce reproductive losses and improve outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms. "Environmental factors are actually very important on sow reproduction, and sometimes these are the factors that producers tend to not pay attention." Meet the guest: Dr. Isabela Bez / isabela-cristina-cola%c3%a7o-bez-1753381b0 is a veterinarian and PhD student in Animal Science at Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Brazil. Her work focuses on swine reproduction, nutrition, and animal welfare, with strong expertise in environmental effects on sow performance. She collaborates with international farms and research groups to improve reproductive efficiency through applied science.