The research will be conducted at the Elora Beef Research Centre, which will undergo an expansion supported by a $12.4 million investment by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and rural Affairs.
“The Beef Farmers of Ontario is extremely appreciative of the federal government’s contribution to new research projects and equipment at the Elora Beef Research Centre,” said Joe Hill, vice president of Beef Farmers of Ontario. “The competitiveness and long-term viability of the Ontario beef industry is underpinned by key investments in primary research and infrastructure capacity needed to undertake it. Funding committed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will provide critical support to advance beef cattle research and help ensure we are well-positioned to compete in both domestic and international markets.”
The goal of the research is to enhance the genetic profiling of eastern Canada cattle herds to improve feed efficiency. Feed costs account for 25 percent of beef input costs, and industry studies have shown that a one percent improvement in feed efficiency can result in annual savings of $11.1 million for producers.
Lloyd Longfield (Guelph), member of Parliament and the House of Commons Standing Committee for Agriculture and Agri-Food, said “I am glad to see this world-class beef hub taking shape, supported by the federal and provincial governments. This research at the Univ. of Guelph is designed to result in long-term savings for the beef sector.”
