The livestock sector was the focus of a meeting of Canada's agriculture ministers.

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and his provincial counterparts agreed they need to work together to help the struggling livestock sector.  Cattlemen have been battered by the recession, low prices and rising costs.

Ranchers have been complaining last month’s federal budget lacks direct financial support for agriculture.  They say money for programs is inadequate.

The agriculture ministers said they will continue to work on implementing a national agriculture and food traceability system.