Livestock producers are concerned about the long-term viability of the livestock industry in Manitoba. Whether it's Bill 17 - the ban on hog barn expansion in parts of southern Manitoba - or new manure management rules, producers feel regulations are harming the industry.

"We've come through a string of regulations, predominantly at this point affecting the hog industry. We need to know where the province stands and where they see the livestock industry fitting in Manitoba agriculture," says Rob Brunel, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers. "Producers want to know 'is there room for under 300 animal unit operations in the province?' They need to know how they can have the ability to continue farming with some of the regulations are coming into place."

"Some of the regulations are putting huge financial strains on these smaller producers, with the need to build or upgrade manure storage. Those costs are not feasible at this time with the market conditions the hog industry faces," says Brunel. "However, these regulations apply to all of the livestock industry when it comes to manure spreading and the different regulations."

KAP is calling on the governments, both provincial and federal, to work together with industry in creating a vision and strategy for the livestock sector.

Brunel admits, right now, it appears the province may not want small livestock producers. "The regulations lead in that direction, most definitely. Whether or not we should say they don't want them, the regulations are not supportive of small farms."

~ Tuesday, October 26, 2010 ~