Natural Resources
September 12, 2014

Supporting Agriculture Research

Wheat Harvest Provides Grain for Dairy Farming

For the second year in a row, the Provincial Government is harvesting new varieties of wheat from test sites around the province to explore ways of providing commercial grain to dairy farmers.

“The Provincial Government allocates $1 million annually under the Provincial Agricultural Research and Development Program to enhance the sustainability and self-sufficiency of the agriculture industry. Indications are that this year’s harvest will have the potential to significantly change the direction and competitiveness of our livestock sectors. Wheat harvested last year was of superior quality and was used in the feed systems of participating dairy operations.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Industry

In 2012, the Provincial Government committed to conducting grain and forage research with the objective of decreasing the cost of production for dairy and poultry industries. Approximately 50,000 tonnes of grain is currently imported into livestock farms in Newfoundland and Labrador, costing producers over $23 million annually.

Test sites have been established on five dairy farms with harvesting taking place during September.

QUICK FACTS

• For the second year in a row, the Provincial Government is harvesting new varieties of wheat from test sites around the province to explore ways of providing commercial grain to dairy farmers.
• Approximately 50,000 tonnes of grain is imported into livestock farms in Newfoundland and Labrador, costing producers over $23 million annually.
• Test sites have been established on five dairy farms with harvesting taking place during September.
• The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and agrifoods industry is continually developing and diversifying. The value of production from the agriculture and agrifoods industry, including secondary processing, is approximately $500 million per year.

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