A&W donates $5M to the U of S Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence

The University of Saskatchewan announced a $5-million donation on Friday from A&W to support the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).

“A&W is deeply committed to the Canadian beef and forage industry,” said Jefferson Mooney, chairman emeritus, A&W. “Our investment is an investment in the future of Canadian food and best practices to make that food.”

The money will be used to fund three initiatives at the LFCE.

1. The construction of the Livestock and Food Building ($3 million) as ‘the heart of livestock operations’ at the centre, and a location for research and education near Clavet.
2. Creating a community outreach and engagement program ($1 million), offering presentations and seminars for consumers and industry representatives.
3. Establishing a visiting fellowship in One Health research ($1 million).

“The LFCE project epitomizes the university’s One Health initiative, bridging the gaps between human, animal, and ecosystem health. This could not be accomplished without a strong network of collaborators, whose support will help position the LFCE as a global leader in beef cattle and forage research and innovation, and provide science-based solutions to real-world challenges.”

Celebrating A&W donation to the Livestock and Food Building at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence pic.twitter.com/yLnUJDrQyK

— U of S AgBio (@agbiousask) December 1, 2017

A U of S spokesperson says naming rights associated with the donation have yet to be determined.

The LFCE has thus far received contributions from the federal and provincial governments ($10 million through Growing Forward 2); the Government of Canada’s Western Economic Diversification Fund ($4.47 million); the University of Saskatchewan ($10 million); and from the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association ($1 million).

Two new facilities for the LFCE are expected to be completed in the spring of 2018.

The total cost of the centre is projected to be $36 million.

Update: A&W will be listed as a founding partner, and the fellowship will be called the “A&W Visiting Fellowship in One Health Research”. 

Related:

• Livestock centre of excellence receives $4.5 million from federal gov’t
• New Centre of Excellence to bring livestock chain research together