Voluntary Traceability

On October 27, 2009, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced a $5 million Saskatchewan Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate.

The Saskatchewan Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate will provide rebates of up to 70 per cent of eligible costs for the purchase and/or lease of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) handheld and panel readers.  Funding is also available for training, software, installation and facility modifications relating to the use of RFID readers.

Cattle, bison, sheep, goat, hog and cervid producers, feedlots, backgrounders, veterinary clinics, meat processors, assembly yards, privately managed community pastures, fairs and exhibitions are eligible for a 70 per cent rebate, to a maximum rebate of $50,000 per facility for all eligible items combined. Of this amount, a maximum of $5,000 can be used for the purchase or lease of new handheld RFID readers. 

Auction marts can apply for a 70 per cent rebate to a maximum of $100,000 per facility. For these applicants, there will be no limit on the number of handheld or panel readers purchased within the $100,000 limit. 

Saskatchewan's overall traceability initiative also includes awareness and education through information and workshops; development of pilot projects at auction marts and/or feedlots; and financial support for the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency to establish a presence in Saskatchewan to assist producers and to create awareness of traceability initiatives in the province.

For more information on the Saskatchewan Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate, please call 1-877-874-5365.

For information on Saskatchewan Agriculture's overall traceability initiative, contact Greg Haase at (306) 787-5190.