RUSSELL, Man. – Like most Manitobans, Manitoba Women’s Institute members appear split on the concept of intensive livestock
operations.
Delegates to the MWI’s annual convention in Russell on April 28 expressed opinions on both sides of the debate after a presentation from a provincial agriculture department official.
One delegate said she was skeptical about the agriculture department’s ability to enforce intensive livestock rules, but Wray Whitmore, who heads one of 11 “growing opportunities teams” in the department, said the conservation department monitors the rules, not agriculture.
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In response to another delegate’s concerns about the ecological impact from large livestock businesses, Whitmore said livestock can co-exist with other types of agriculture if the manure situation is handled well and if there is enough land on which to spread it. He praised livestock production, saying it adds needed income.
“I believe if you go totally no livestock, you will hold your community back.”
Another delegate defended ILOs, arguing that the agriculture department’s presence is needed to develop business in rural communities and to defend livestock interests.
“That’s exactly where we’re going,” Whitmore said.
In other convention business:
- The MWI reported a surplus of $3,279 for 2005 compared to a surplus of $11,138 the previous year. The group decided to commission financial reviews in the future rather than audits, which should save $500.
- Willis Keeper, 89, of Russell and formerly a farmer in the Manishka area, was given the Erland Lee award for the man who is most supportive of the MWI.
- MWI’s Interlake district sent Adelaide Hoodless roses to the national museum site created to honour the founder of women’s institutes. The Hoodless Homestead site near Hamilton, Ont., did not have any in its garden.
- In her speech to delegates, outgoing president Valerie Watt commended MWI members for their volunteer work and said “by your unpaid work you vote on what type of community you want to live in.”
- A fundraiser for the Federation of Women’s Institutes of Canada raised $2,577. Members were to measure their waist and contribute the number in pennies to the national group.
- Joan Rodgers is the new president of MWI; Enid Clark is president-elect.
- The southwest A region of MWI won the competition to attract the most new members with its total of 13. Membership is about 600. –
