July 13, 2010
Canadian cattle producers in need of governmental assistance
While the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association (MCPA) applauds last week's announcement of CAD450 million (US$435 million) in AgriRecovery programming for farmers facing flooding conditions in the prairie provinces, the group is disappointed the relief package does not adequately address the needs of beef producers.
MCPA president Major Jay Fox said the announced programme offers some relief for grain producers with damaged cropland, but many cattle producers are going through a terrible time and suffering through extreme weather and flooding conditions on their pasture and hay land.
MCPA general manager Sheila Mowat said they are conveying to government the problematic areas within current programming that do not adequately support or provide sustainability for the beef industry in Manitoba. They insist on advocating and moving forward additional BRM programmes that have been developed and are much needed for the cattle producers of Manitoba, such as the Hay and Pasture Insurance and Cattle Insurance programmes.
The Manitoba Cattle Producers Association represents 10,000 producers across the province.
