Federal and provincial funding is being made available to Manitoba livestock producers to help secure water supplies amid ongoing drought conditions in parts of the province.
“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,” said provincial Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen. “Properly functioning and adequately protected ground and surface water sources are essential to ensuring the health of livestock and ground water sources.”
Projects eligible for funding 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; and permanent pipeline development.
Any projects for water source development occurring after April 1 are eligible for the funding, which is being made available through Ag Action Manitoba. Projects will need to be assessed prior to approval and may require additional components (e.g. fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet application criteria.
Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until Sept. 1. Applications can include retroactive expenses incurred as of April 1. Upon project completion, applicants must submit proof of a valid Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) with their claim.
“Having access to stable water supplies is integral to cattle production in our province and water availability is certainly a key concern right now,” said Tyler Fulton, president, Manitoba Beef Producers. “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.”