WINNIPEG (Staff) – Manitoba is home to the top species of elk in the world, but it has been one of two provinces that does not allow game farming.
However, that’s soon to change. The provincial government has announced it will pass laws this spring to allow farmers to raise elk.
Agriculture minister Harry Enns said a controlled and licensed game farm industry could be worth $50 million within five years. In a press release, Enns said elk could be an option for farmers looking to diversify.
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The government also plans to create a self-sustaining fund for research, blood and DNA testing, identification tags and a computer tracking system.
“These safeguards will prevent poaching, as well as the potential exchange of disease and genes between domestic and wild herds,” said natural resources minister Albert Driedger.
Farmers who want to raise elk have to buy a licence and abide by provincial standards. They will be inspected annually by Manitoba Agriculture.
Farmers in Saskatchewan and Alberta are getting high prices for breeding stock of the native species known as Manitobensis. The velvet from male antlers is in high demand in Asian countries.
Enns noted that farmers may also attempt processing antlers into health food products and medicine.
