WINNIPEG - Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler is travelling the province today with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, as the Manitoba Beef Producers and the Canadian Cattlemen's Association continue to work with the province and the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation to help livestock producers impacted by severe drought conditions.
This season’s drought is impacting producers from British Columbia to Ontario, with high temperatures and little to no rainfall for weeks at a time decimating pastures and crops and and reducing water levels in dugouts. The limited feed and water supplies have many producers considering a major culling of their livestock.
The Canadian and Provincial cattle associations are asking for more government action, including drought relief programming, tax deferral, and changes to crop insurance rules to make sure livestock are able to get enough feed when they need it.
Nearly 100 producers rallied in the Teulon area Wednesday to raise awareness of the challenges being faced on Manitoba farms.
The province says those impacted by dry conditions can access resources through Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, including funding for water sources, well and groundwater resources, and help with accessing watersheds.
It has information on sourcing feed and water during dry conditions on their website, as well as by phone by calling 1-84-GROW-MB-AG (1-844-769-6224).
There are also ten Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Service Centres located across the province.
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