The Saskatchewan government plans to establish a feedlot option under
its livestock loan guarantee program as part of its strategy to
revitalize the rural economy.
It’s part of the government’s response to last April’s report from the
Action Committee on the Rural Economy, which agriculture minister Clay
Serby was expected to announce on Dec. 3 after this issue’s deadlines.
ACRE had recommended the government help build the feedlot industry
through the loan guarantee program.
Serby said the government listened to other requests as well.
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For example, it will look at ways to ease intergenerational land
transfer and at the education tax burden on property.
However, the government strategy does not include any major spending
announcements.
“We’re not spending any money outside of our budget cycle,” Serby said.
The strategy focuses on three areas: a competitive business
environment; sustainable and effective public infrastructure and
healthy rural communities.
It identifies immediate and long-term action the government can take to
achieve each goal.
Serby also said he will extend the mandate of the ACRE members until
March 2005 so the committee can provide feedback and monitor the
government’s actions.
