Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
“The agriculture economy and the face of rural Manitoba are changing rapidly.
The pace of change is particularly dramatic in the livestock sector, as producers respond to new market forces and economic opportunities.”
“The Manitoba government has a responsibility to guide this development, and ensure that industry growth does not occur at the expense of the environment or our quality of life. To develop a plan for growth that is both viable and sustainable, we must consider the issues from all perspectives-economic, environmental and social. It is a trust and a challenge we take very seriously.”
What you have just read are two excerpts of a message from the Manitoba NDP government’s public discussion paper regarding livestock stewardship. It was published in June 2000, and signed by three ministers representing Conservation, Agriculture and Food, and Intergovernmental Affairs.
But a report card on those very stimulating and inspiring words of responsibility in development and growth will show that those considerations and plans were never seriously acted upon.
The hog industry, for instance, tripled by some 300 per cent to more than nine million animals. As Official Opposition to the previous Conservative government, the NDP voiced concerns and grave warnings about the vast amounts of hog manure that were being produced and how this might affect our vulnerable water sources. Yet the industry under their government watch continued to expand, to grow relentlessly and unchecked.
The social and rural issues were simply ignored. The unsustainable growth has affected the environment and our Manitoba waters. Think of Lake Winnipeg and the algae blooms that threaten the very existence of this freshwater lake.
Think of the sensitive and vulnerable Interlake area, where hog factories were permitted to be established.
Think of the families that packed up and relocated in rural Manitoba, so their very health and respiratory issues would not be further compromised by the unrelenting stench and odour emitted by the exhaust fans.
Plus, the spreading of millions of gallons of hog manure slurry and being referred to as normal farming operations.
Rural residents have become subordinate to the domination of the hog industry. And systematically,the government relents to interfere.
Twelve years later, this report card assigns a grade of “F” which indicates failure and unsatisfactory performance.
The above inspiring message that the government so graciously shared was mere propaganda and only worthy of the wastepaper basket.
JOHN FEFCHAK
Virden
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition December 5, 2012
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
“The agriculture economy and the face of rural Manitoba are changing rapidly.
The pace of change is particularly dramatic in the livestock sector, as producers respond to new market forces and economic opportunities.”
Already subscribed? Login to view full article.
Not yet a subscriber? Click Here to Signup
“The agriculture economy and the face of rural Manitoba are changing rapidly.
The pace of change is particularly dramatic in the livestock sector, as producers respond to new market forces and economic opportunities.”
A subscription to the Brandon Sun Newspaper is required to view this article. Please update your user information if you are already a newspaper subscriber.
Most Popular
Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments
You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.