Governments of Canada and Manitoba Provide Livestock Producers with Funding Options to Address Dry Conditions on Pasture

From: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

News release

June 8, 2021 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are advising that livestock producers who have been affected by dry conditions on pasture in Manitoba can apply for funding to support water source development under Ag Action Manitoba.

Funding is provided through the Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas beneficial management practice (BMP) under Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance. Eligible items include:

water source development - constructing new or rehabilitating existing wells or dugouts
solar, wind or grid powered alternative watering systems
permanent fencing to restrict livestock access to surface water and dugouts
permanent pipeline development

Any projects for water source development occurring after April 1, 2021 are eligible. Projects will need to be assessed prior to approval, and may require additional components (for example, fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet the BMP criteria.

Applications are now being accepted, and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until September 1, 2021. Applications can include retroactive expenses incurred as of April 1, 2021. Upon project completion, applicants must submit proof of a valid Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) with their claim.

Quotes

"Safe and reliable water sources are critical for livestock producers during dry conditions. Through this cost-shared program, livestock producers can access funding to protect valuable ground water sources and adopt sustainable management practices. With the emerging risks posed by climate change, these farmer support programs are more important than ever."

- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Our summer has been dry, and we recognize that many of our producers may require additional assistance to secure a safe and reliable water supply for their livestock. Properly functioning and adequately protected ground and surface water sources are essential to ensuring the health of livestock and ground water sources."

- Blaine Pedersen, Minister of Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development

"Having access to stable water supplies is integral to cattle production in our province and water availability is certainly a key concern right now. Making this program available will help provide some producers with tools to better manage their water situation in the near term and on a longer-term basis. We thank the federal and provincial governments for opening up this program and look forward to continued engagement with them about the effects of the drought conditions and how to mitigate that."

- Tyler Fulton, president, Manitoba Beef Producers

"As we head into the hot summer season and with low precipitation amounts received over winter and spring, there is increasing concern around dry conditions and water quality and availability for livestock producers in Manitoba. MFGA sees this as a proactive and appreciated step by the Governments of Canada and Manitoba for livestock producers who have been affected by dry conditions on pasture in Manitoba to apply for funding to support water source development under Ag Action Manitoba retroactive to April 1, 2021."

- Larry Wegner, chair, Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA)

Quick facts

Producers can contact their local Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development office, call the department toll-free at 1-84-GROW-MB-AG (1-844-769-6224) or visit Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Government of Manitoba).
Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance: Beneficial Management Practices provides targeted incentive programs to agricultural producers and select industry service providers to advance the adoption of beneficial management practices. These practices reduce identified environmental risks, improve agro-ecosystem resilience, build public trust and improve environmental sustainability of farm options in Manitoba.
The Ag Action Manitoba Program is funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership - a five-year (2018-2023), $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada's agriculture and agri-food and agri-products sector. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Associated links

Contacts

Oliver Anderson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
oliver.anderson@canada.ca
613-462-4327

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@canada.ca

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Date modified:: 2021-06-09