Ranchers only

meeting
Manitoba ranches are
encountering the “perfect
storm” with low calf prices,
high input costs and feed
shortages.
This meeting is in-
tended to frankly discuss the
issues, options, and plan for
the future.
___________
Dates & Locations:
September 17
Eriksdale 7:00 pm
(Memorial Community Centre
on Railway Avenue)
September 18
Moosehorn 8:00 am
(Moosehorn Community Hall)
Cow-Calf Budget and Alfalfa Budget
Explore the MAFRI budgets considering escalated
input costs.
Ray Bittner, Farm Production Advisor—
MAFRI
AgriStability and APP
Learn about 2008 AgriStability Interim Payments
and the Advance Payments Program.
Dean Stoyanowski, Farm Production Advisor—
MAFRI & Agri-Food Canada Representatives
Interlake Beef Farm Survival Model
Work through a typical beef scenario of ex-
penses and debt considerations and discuss the
options.
Grant Palmer, Business Development Specialist—
MAFRI

Riverton 7:00 pm
(Riverton Curling Club—Top Floor)

September 19
Fisher Branch 8:00am
(Fisher Branch Community Centre Hall)
___________
For more information:
Ashern GO Centre
(204) 768-2782

Sponsored by:
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August 24, 2008

NEW ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO HELP FLOODED FARMERS
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Program Responds to Feed Shortages Across Province: Wowchuk

ARBORG After touring flood-affected areas of the Interlake today and seeing first-hand the significant challenges
posed by overland flooding, deputy premier Rosann Wowchuk committed to help farmers cope with the loss of
many hay crops due to excessive rains, overland flooding and drought.

“Many areas of the province, particularly the Interlake region, have had significant levels of rain this summer while
others have been excessively dry, both of which have decimated many hay crops,” said Wowchuk. “Either the hay
has been ruined or it’s so wet producers can't access the hay they've already baled. Today, we are committing to
help these producers access feed and connect them with producers fortunate enough to get a hay crop off their
fields.”

Wowchuk committed to establishing a Manitoba Forage Assistance Program (MFAP) which will provide financial
assistance to help producers access feed supplies and will mirror the program provided in response to drought con-
ditions in 2003 which assisted producers in meeting a feed shortage that year.

The program will apply across the province and is open to all Manitoba producers having to transport feed supplies
unusually long distances or needing to move cattle unusually long distances in order to access feed. It will be avail-
able to producers experiencing feed shortages, whether from flooding or drought.

Application forms will soon be available at all agricultural offices and online. Full program terms, conditions and
application forms will be available on the government website in early September.

Flood watches and warnings issued by Manitoba Water Stewardship for the Interlake and Westman regions have
ended. However, overland flooding is expected to continue for approximately four more days. The effect of recent
storms has been very pronounced in the Interlake region. Rainfall was above average in May and June and was
twice the average in July, which has contributed greatly to run-off and flooding of low-lying areas.

Coping With Farming Pressures

With the high amount of rain fall we’ve been experiencing recently, the demands of farm-
ing can cause the family a great deal of pressure and stress. Farming is not only an occupation
but it is a way of life. The entire family feels the pressure of farm life. Because the potential for
problems is so high and because we deal with things out of our control, families must identify
ways of coping and dealing with the stress.

Talk It Out. In many cases lack of communication within the family unit is a major cause of the
stress.
Escape For Awhile. Whatever the pressure or weight of the workload, taking a break to es-
cape it can help to relieve stress.
Give In Occasionally. In times of stress you may find yourself getting into quarrels with your
family or neighbours. Even if you are right, once and awhile give in.
Take One Thing At A Time. During seeding and harvest people are under tension because
the workload is so great and they are so fatigued. Remember it is only temporary and you
can work your way out of it.
Shun The “Superman” Urge. Many times people expect too much of themselves. Ask for
help if you need it.
The Farm & Rural Stress Line is answered by professional counsellors with farming backgrounds and
strong rural identities. All calls are confidential. We do not subscribe to call display.
Call us toll free at 1-866-FOR-FARM (1-866-367-3276) - Monday to Friday 10 am - 9 pm, Saturdays 12 - 5 pm.