Efforts currently ongoing in alternative feeds include grain variety trials, examination of fish and other animal waste products as livestock feed, and pasture management. Program results have been positive. Studies have found that it is economically viable to grow grain in the Province. Farmers have grown barley, wheat and oats on a trial basis over the last three years with encouraging results. An ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada surrounding the supply management system for dairy, chicken and egg products in Canada is expected this year.
Tariffs currently protect Canadian livestock producers from cheaper U.S. products.
Upholding GATT would give local producers more time to develop less expensive sources of feed. Outlook The Provincial agriculture industry will face challenging times in 1996. The removal of the FFA program and high grain prices will put upward pressure on some livestock producers' operating expenses. Options to alleviate this pressure and increase overall efficiency in the livestock sector are currently being examined. On the other hand, crop production is expected to be at least on par with last year, and may even exhibit a marginal increase.