The livestock sector had a number of mentions in this week's provincial budget.
Funding was announced for a Livestock Growth Strategy, while borrowing limits through the Livestock Associations Loan Guarantee program have been maintained.
Manitoba Beef Producers General Manager Brian Lemon says these initiatives will help to grow Manitoba's cattle herd, as was stated last year by Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler.
"If we're looking at growing this herd and getting a hold of capital in a cost-effective way and having the government stand up and maintain the borrowing limits on these loan guarantees, that's going to be critical to making sure that the capital's available if we're going to grow this herd," said Lemon.
Eichler echoed those sentiments.
"It's substantial in order for those young producers and producers even older that want to get involved as individuals to borrow money to ensure that they get into the livestock sector," he said. "So it's not only meaningful to them but also sustainable."
Source : Portageonline