The governments of Canada and Manitoba are making changes to the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance Program.

Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson made the announcement alongside federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau, with the goal of the changes being to make sure farmers have easy access to funding and ways to increase financial compensation.

"Manitoba producers are working hard, and our government is committed to ensuring they are fully supported during this difficult time," notes Bibeau. "By making these changes to the AgriRecovery program in the province, we are making it easier for them to access funding that will help them when they need it most."

Changes to the program include:

  • Reducing compensation rates for feed receipts from 75 per cent to 70 per cent
  • Getting rid of the "producer share" which will increase payments to each applicant share was set at $50 per head for cattle, bison, elk, and horses or $10 per head for sheep and goats
  • Increasing the maximum payouts for cattle, bison, elk, horses, sheep, and goats
  • Adjusting claims automatically, so clients don't need to reapply

"We know producers need some additional support after last year’s drought, and these changes are the best way to accomplish that while staying within the parameters of the AgriRecovery program," said Johnson. "This will help producers receive additional funding in a timely way so they can get the support they need as soon as possible."

An extension has also been put in place for the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program, which will now cover eligible expenses up to April 15. The application deadline is now May 13.

For the full press release from the government of Manitoba, click here.