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The federal and provincial governments are investing $3.4 million over four years in a new genomics project aimed at advancing sustainable beef production in Saskatchewan.
The funding will support the development of two new facilities at the University of Saskatchewan (USask): the Omics Resource Centre at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and the Beef Reprotech facilities at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).
The announcement was made Tuesday by federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison. The investment is being delivered through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, $3.5-billion initiative between federal, provincial and territorial governments.
The new project, called IntegrOmes — short for Integrated Genomics for Sustainable Animal Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship — will focus on improving beef genetics by linking genomic markers to desirable traits and evaluating reproductive efficiencies. Officials say the integrated approach will help producers make more precise, data-driven breeding decisions to improve productivity.
“Innovation — like what we are seeing through genomics research — is vital to the continued success of Canada’s agriculture sector,” said MacDonald. “This shared investment with Saskatchewan will support the expanded efforts of these facilities and ensure a vibrant future for Saskatchewan’s livestock sector.”
Harrison said the province’s ranchers already have a reputation for innovation and leadership in livestock production, and this funding will help maintain that global edge.
“The work of USask is recognized globally, and we are proud to support this initiative and the livestock sector it serves,” he said.
The IntegrOmes initiative will also address challenges related to animal health and environmental sustainability, with Saskatchewan producers expected to benefit directly from new genomic tools.
“Genomic research is advancing rapidly, and USask is leading the way in this evolving field,” said Baljit Singh, USask’s vice-president of research. “Our researchers are applying cutting-edge methods to advance our understanding of beef genetics, which couldn't be possible without the support of this joint funding from the provincial and federal governments.”
USask’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine and LFCE are internationally recognized for their research in veterinary science, forage systems, and livestock management. University officials say the funding will strengthen their role as leaders in sustainable food production.
Over the past five years, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have committed nearly $170 million to agricultural research through Sustainable CAP and its predecessor programs.
Of the $3.5 billion under Sustainable CAP, $1 billion is allocated for federal programs and activities, while $2.5 billion is cost-shared between Ottawa and provincial or territorial governments to support regional initiatives.