Interlake farmers from twelve municipalities came together and declared an Agricultural State of Disaster late in August. Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman MP James Bezan says he sought help from the federal government and shares the response.

"Minister Bibeau, just before the campaign started, finally got back to me after two months and said it was a no -- that there would not be an agri-recovery program," explains Bezan, "that there would not be feed assistance, and that there wouldn't be any way of protecting the cowherd that we have."

He said the only thing that was offered was an extension to income tax deferrals for any breeding stock that is sold.

"That, to me, isn't a solution," continues Bezan. "It's a cop-out. I can tell you that, as Conservatives, we'll continue to advocate better programs to support our ranchers and farmers in this province."

Previous related stories:

https://www.portageonline.com/local/state-of-agricultural-disaster-declared-in-12-municipalities

https://www.portageonline.com/local/update-on-declared-state-of-agricultural-disaster