Funding Genetics
US - State grants available to help local farmers become global farmers
19 March 2007
1 minute read
BURKITTSVILLE - Livestock breeders, companies and cooperatives wishing to sell their animals or genetics overseas can now apply for funding to offset the costs of certain marketing activities.
The recent announcement from the Maryland Department of Agriculture was a surprise to Wayne and Cindee Savage, who have been exporting Holstein embryos for 12 years from Savage-Leigh Farm. The Savages had not heard of the funding, nor had Ray Ediger of Green Spring Farm in Thurmont who has been in the genetics field for 35 years.
Chip Savage, one of two sons who helps run the family farm, said he couldn't comment on the funding until he had a chance to look into it. The Savages have to pay a fee each time embryos are shipped and for a United States government health certificate for the venture so any financial assistance will be appreciated, Chip Savage said.
Savage-Leigh Farm breeds Registered Holstein Cattle, focusing on high type and production. A struggling dairy industry forced the Savages to diversify, Cindee Savage said. They settled on exporting genetics overseas and still milk 200 cows twice a day.
