September is over and beleaguered livestock producers still have no idea what type of aid program the Manitoba NDP government is developing and when the aid will flow.
Agriculture minister Stan Struthers is trying to blame the federal government for his own failure to deliver the needed programming in a timely fashion. He needs a reality check.
Cattle producers have warned since early summer of impending feed challenges. Rather than act swiftly, the minister’s oft-repeated refrain was that he was “monitoring” the situation.
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Unfortunately, the minister has monitored it so long that the crops are almost off and much of the straw has been chopped, making it unavailable to cattle producers. Had the minister announced a freight assistance program weeks ago, this problem could have been avoided.
We have repeatedly told the minister that he needs a multi-pronged strategy to address the challenges caused by the excess moisture.
In addition to feed freight assistance, he must consider a per-head payment for affected producers. Programs to help restore damaged pastures and forage stands are also needed.
The time to act is now, not weeks from now.
If the minister is serious about delivering aid to livestock producers, he will immediately announce the programs, flow the aid and finalize the details with the federal government later.
Such a move would not be without precedent in Manitoba, and it would be very beneficial to the affected producers.
Cliff Graydon,
Progressive Conservative Agriculture Critic,
Winnipeg, Man.
