.jpg)
Farmers in Manitoba’s Interlake are cautiously welcoming new drought support measures announced this week, though some say more action may be needed if dry conditions continue into August.
Arvid Nottveit, a cow-calf producer near Pineimuta Point and vice-president of Manitoba Beef Producers, says the area has seen very little rain this season.
“Some of our hayfields, they're not really even worth cutting,” he notes. “We’ll probably just hope that we can graze cattle on them.”
He says where second cuts would normally be starting to regrow by now, there's been almost no recovery.
“Our last big rain was 2 millimetres,” he adds. “Which is hardly anything.”
Related stories:
- Drought relief on the way for Manitoba livestock producers
- Interlake RMs sound alarm over worsening drought
Federal and provincial governments roll out relief
On Wednesday, the governments of Canada and Manitoba announced drought-related support for livestock producers, including faster access to claim payments, feed flexibility, and changes to AgriInsurance coverage through Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC).
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says the goal is to get money into producers’ hands as quickly as possible.
“These program changes will ensure producers in Manitoba receive claim payouts faster, so they can source other feed options as quickly as possible,” says MacDonald.
The plan includes a 40 per cent reduction in yield appraisals for drought-stricken cereal crops converted to livestock feed; a move previously used in 2021 that helped convert over 100,000 acres into feed.
Producers say support is welcome — but may not be enough
Nottveit says the announcement is appreciated.
“I’d like to thank the provincial and federal government for taking these necessary steps,” he remarks. “It’s a necessary first step, but there’s possibly going to need to be more help coming down the line.”
He notes one producer he spoke to is already feeding hay to 500–600 head, a worrying sign this early in the season, and hay carryover from last year is quickly disappearing.
“Some of the hay that was leftover from last year, his neighbours sold into Alberta and Saskatchewan already,” Nottveit adds.
He says the cereal crop conversion support will help, especially in cases where grain isn't worth harvesting. “The ability to even turn the cows into it will help.”
But longer-term solutions like freight support, to move feed or cattle, may be needed again, similar to past drought years.
RM leaders also calling for coordinated response
Last week, the RM of St. Laurent declared a state of agricultural emergency, with Reeve Richard Chartrand pointing to serious feed and water shortages.
“The grass that they should be harvesting right now is not as tall as it should be,” Chartrand noted. “Our dugouts were getting empty.”
Neighbouring RMs including Coldwell, Grahamdale and Armstrong are also sounding the alarm. Chartrand says they were hoping to bring municipalities together to meet with provincial and federal officials.
“It’s not just a local issue for the RM of St. Laurent, but it’s pretty well widespread in the Interlake,” he said.
Nottveit says government and industry conversations are ongoing and producers are doing their best to remain hopeful.
“We just have to try and stay positive,” he continues. “We’ll just pray for rain.”
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com.
PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.