Sleeping with the devil or a new beginning — you choose!

I am sure this donation took many in the ranching and feeding community by surprise and there are likely a few of you who are wondering about the sanity of those in charge of this great institution. I must admit that when I first heard of this partnership I had the same thoughts; however, after meeting with A&W corporate personnel and learning about their intent, and more importantly, their commitment to enhancing the Canadian beef industry, I really believe that this partnership has the potential to mark a new beginning for our industry. Let me give you the background and you can decide which part of this article’s title applies.

The Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) is a partnership between cattle producers, the Province of Saskatchewan, the federal government and the University of Saskatchewan that is designed to foster innovative research, training and outreach. The centre is currently being constructed in three phases on land near Clavet, Sask.

Phase 1 involves construction of the Beef Cattle Research and Teaching Unit (BCRTU) which includes a 1,500-head intensive feeding facility and a 24-head metabolism facility. Phase 2 involves moving the 350 beef cows from the Western Beef Development Centre at Lanigan, Sask., to land and facilities adjacent to the BCRTU. Construction on Phase 1 and 2 is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2018. Phase 3 involves renovations to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Goodale Research Facility, which focuses on reproductive studies in beef cattle as well as equine and native hoof stock research.

Click here to read more. Reposted with permission from Canadian Cattlemen.