Saskatchewan’s cattle population has been on the decline for a couple of decades since BSE—but we have reached the point where the numbers are becoming very concerning.

In the past two years, the provincial cattle herd has shrunk by 90,000 head. There are multiple factors in play—-recent drought, poor profit margins, pastureland being converted to growing more profitable grain crops and the retirement of cow/calf producers who are not being replaced by the next generation.

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan is hosting a Livestock Summit on Wednesday in Saskatoon to address some of those challenges. APAS President Ian Boxall believes it is time for the federal government to compensate farmers and ranchers for the preservation of pastures and grasslands, which serve as carbon sinks and habitats for birds and wildlife.

CJWW Agriculture Director Neil Billinger spoke to Ian Boxall prior to the Livestock Summit.

(Photo credit: APAS Twitter)