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Manitoba announces funding for wells and water access projects on livestock farms

Manitoba – The Manitoba government will provide funding to livestock producers who have been affected by dry conditions on pasture can apply for funding to support water access and management, including drilling new or deepening existing wells and installing water pumps.

“We recognize that many producers are feeling the effects of our dry summer and that they may require additional assistance to secure a safe and reliable water supply for their livestock,” said agriculture minister Ralph Eichler in making the announcement on Sept. 12. “Properly functioning and adequately protected ground and surface water sources are essential to ensuring the health of livestock and ground water sources.”

Funding is provided through the Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas beneficial management practice (BMP) under Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance, the province said in a news release. Eligible projects and related costs include:

• drilling new or deepening existing wells, test hole drilling, screening, casing, well caps and related activities;
• installing water pumps and required plumbing components and related activities, such as professional and contractor fees;
• constructing new or rehabilitating existing dugouts including professional and contractor fees; and
• establishing alternative watering system equipment and permanent fencing to restrict livestock access to surface water and dugouts.

To be eligible, applicants must complete an environmental farm plan (EFP) that will help manage risk on their farm related to water quality and supply, soil health, air quality and biodiversity. Producers have until Nov. 1, 2020, to submit their EFP statement of completion.

Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance:  Beneficial Management Practices provides targeted incentive programs to agricultural producers and select industry service providers to advance the adoption of beneficial management practices (BMPs). These practices reduce identified environmental risks, improve agro-ecosystem resilience, build public trust and improve environmental sustainability of farm options in Manitoba.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis until Oct. 11. Priority will be given to applicants within federal tax deferral areas, as identified at agr.gc.ca under Drought Watch.

Producers can contact their local Manitoba Agriculture office or call the department (toll-free) at 1-84-GROW-MB-AG (1-844-769-6224) for more information on any of these programs and services or go to gov.mb.ca/agriculture under Quick Links.