PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
While things may not be getting
back to normal anytime soon,
Manitoba seems to be adjusting well
to whatever our new normal is.
weather storms that seemingly are popping up every month.
We’ve pressed both the provincial and federal government for
more support during this pandemic and it hasn’t been what
we want and need. I get deeply frustrated when it seems like
politicians aren’t listening to us.
We continue to have real challenges that COVID-19 has
exacerbated. Meat processors in Alberta and the United States
were forced to shut down due to outbreaks in facilities. The
selling price of many of these animals cratered, including
for Manitoba weanlings. Potato demand has suffered a
significant decrease due to restaurant closures. Manitoba
producers do not have enough temporary foreign workers to
pick produce and harvest honey. There is deep uncertainty
about the provincial carbon tax structure and the federal
government continues to raise the tax and increase the impact
on our industry.
There are things to be grateful for though. I was able to
plant a crop this year. I have cattle to feed. We are hopeful
for the year ahead. While things may not be getting back to
normal anytime soon, Manitoba seems to be adjusting well to
whatever our new normal is. Even though our world seemingly
changed overnight, our industry will keep doing what it has
done from the very beginning, adapt to the circumstance and
feed the world. FV
Given the current situation, please call ahead to collection sites for instructions on delivering empties.
14 § Manitoba Farmers’ Voice § Summer 2020
/
