Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz spending the day in Saskatoon yesterday.

In the morning he took part in the launch of Western Canada’s Outdoor Farm Expo – Ag In Motion.

In the afternoon he was at the U of S where 23.8 million dollars in funding was announced thru Genome Canada for three projects focusing on innovative agri-food research.

During the day the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association called on the Federal Government to allow ranchers affected by drought to defer taxes on the sale of livestock.

"We'll certainly take a strong look at it, we've done it before, and we certainly recognize the value of doing that, so we'll put it in play. Of course we're a long ways away from the tax season for this year for anyone selling them off they won't actually have to do that accounting until the end of March next year, so we're certainly on side with what needs to be done to make sure that they have the ability to manage their herds."

Ritz talked with Provincial Ag Minister Lyle Stewart about the crop and livestock situation adding they will look at what will be required from business risk programs as well as tax deferrals.

"Cattle are already being taken off pastures and there's precious little hay crop, so those people are looking to buy feed or sell some cattle. The feed is going to be fairly pricey, that's for sure," said Stewart.

Stewart discussed the crop and livestock situation with his federal counterpart yesterday in Saskatoon.