Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
When opportunity knocks, logic dictates that we open the door.
Participants at the Growing the Livestock Industry Conference, taking place in Saskatoon on October 25 and 26, are bound to hear many knocks, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Provincial Livestock Environment Specialist Karen Bolton.
“Livestock development as a concept is rich in opportunities for growth, whether it be for cow/calf operations or large feedlot facilities. There are many models to choose from across all sectors. Of course, there are challenges as well, economically or in terms of exports with beef, hogs or other livestock. This two-day gathering under the theme ‘Stewardship, Economics and Decision Support’ lays it all out for us, with the help of some noted experts.”
Among those addressing the themes of the conference are: Bob McGregor of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, who will make a presentation on Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset System; Ben Thorlakson of the Canadian Beef Export Federation, speaking on Opportunities for Expanding Beef Markets Abroad; Jeff Schoenau, a soil scientist with the University of Saskatchewan, who will share research results on nutrient loading from long-term manure sites; and Dr. Cheryl Gow from the Public Health Agency of Canada, who will address Antimicrobial Resistance with her presentation Superbugs, Drugs and Livestock.
There will be a Manure Treatment and Technologies Tour in the afternoon that is bound to be very popular, explains Bolton, as manure management technologies are improved and the opportunity to add value to manure continues to be explored. She points out that the conference initiative stems from the need expressed by senior government officials from the prairie provinces in 1999 to share information on manure management and livestock development initiatives across the prairie region.
There have been six conferences since, rotating between the provinces. This will be the third in Saskatchewan. In keeping with the themes of the previous conferences held in Alberta and Manitoba, this conference focuses on the relationships between livestock production, the environment and communities. Bolton views the event as a chance to take stock of choices ahead.
“Individuals and groups involved in growing the industry have to be attuned to the needs of communities and willing to address the environmental concerns that are being brought forward by an increasingly aware public,” Bolton says. “There is a lot of good science out there that supports livestock development, and a number of production models that communities could consider to meet their development needs.”
“Saskatchewan producers are good stewards and have been quick to embrace new practices, from manure injection to improved riparian management – knowing that these beneficial management practices (BMPs) are part of their environmental responsibility.”
Bolton says the conference will provide important resources for participants whose professional or civic responsibilities are affected by livestock activities in their region.
“In some Rural Municipalities, for example, the establishment of livestock operations is often a contentious issue. The sessions at the conference will provide elected officials with information on the livestock industry, the variety of opportunities, and the latest in prairie research - all of which can be used in the decision-making process.”
For more information on the Growing the Livestock Industry Conference, visit: http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/docs/events/growingLvStkFlyer05.pdf
For more information, contact:
Karen Bolton
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Provincial Livestock Environment Specialist
Comments