The AgriPost
January 31, 2025
Manitoba Government Opens More Rural Offices for Farmers By Harry Siemens As a rookie farm broadcaster back in the day, the Manitoba agricultural representatives were accessible at every farm meeting and could comment and help out on almost every farm issue. Some were specialists for agricultural issues, but the local representative’s door was open to every farmer and every young farm journalist. Then governments started to close some doors moving them further away. At the kick-off of Ag Days in Brandon on January 21, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said the Manitoba government responded to requests from Manitoba’s agricultural sector and is opening two new Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) Service Centres in western Manitoba to better meet the needs of Manitoba farmers. “Where the previous government ended services, we’re bringing them back,” said Kostyshyn. “We heard from producers loud and clear that they wanted the in-person service they used to enjoy. These new service centres will also help MASC staff further build relationships with producers, allowing them to anticipate better and respond to their individual needs.” The minister noted that some agricultural organizations have been asking the province to open new MASC Service Centres after 21 Manitoba Agriculture and MASC offices were closed across the province. Kostyshyn added that the additional service centres are anticipated to open by the end of summer. Precise opening
“Where the previous government ended services, we’re bringing them back,” said Kostyshyn Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “We heard from producers loud and clear that they wanted the in-person service they used to enjoy.” Photo by Harry Siemens
dates and details will be communicated to clients in the coming months. The minister noted that the addition of two new service centres will benefit approximately 1,600 MASC clients. Roughly 94 percent of MASC clients will be within a 60-minute drive of a MASC Service Centre, an increase from 83%. The two new service centres will be located in Shoal Lake and Virden and will provide farmers with better access to Agrinsurance, hail insurance, wildlife damage compensation, agricultural loans, and pathfinding services for programs offered by Manitoba Agriculture and other programs administered by MASC. The minister said each new location will be staffed with four full-time employees and one casual employee. “Manitoba farmers have been clear in their desire to access more in-person services through MASC,” said Jill Verwey, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers. “We are pleased that the government has listened to farmers
with this commitment to open two additional service centres in Shoal Lake and Virden.” “Cattle producers certainly see value in the work done by MASC, and many like to have the option to sit down across the table from their staff to have in-depth discussions about programs and services that can help their farms and ranches,” said Matthew Atkinson, president, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP). “MBP has been advocating for more service centres so that our members can access MASC services closer to home, and we thank the provincial government for fulfilling its commitment to open two new offices.” To determine where new service centres would have the most significant impact, MASC undertook a service delivery review that analyzed client satisfaction survey results, distance to access in-person services, existing service centre client volumes, and staff-toclient ratios. At the same news conference, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew responded to some questions
from media. Speaking in Brandon, Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the importance of Canadian pride and supporting the local economy. “I encourage consumers and producers, everyone in the supply chain, to support our economy here at home,” he stated, calling it a crucial time for unity and economic collaboration. The Premier highlighted the critical role of the United States as Canada’s most important trading partner. “Job one is to strengthen that relationship and make the case to Americans that access to Manitoban exports benefits both sides,” underscoring the jobs and economic growth generated in Manitoba. However, he warned of potential challenges, such as the threat of a “Trump tariff tax”, which could raise prices for U.S. consumers and harm the trading relationship. To address these concerns, Kinew detailed efforts to preserve and enhance the trade partnership, including frequent trips to the U.S. and an upcoming meeting of Canadian premiers in Washington, D.C., on February 12. He noted the shared economic backbone of agriculture in regions like North and South Dakota, significantly influencing the new U.S. administration. “Maintaining strong crossborder trade in energy, agriculture, and manufacturing is essential for jobs and cost of living on both sides,” Kinew stated. Manitoba aims to secure its economic future and reinforce vital trade relationships by focusing on collaboration and clear communication with American counterparts.
AgriInsurance Program 2025 Announced Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced details of the 2025 AgriInsurance program administered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) recently. “Farmers in Manitoba are known for delivering top-quality products to Canadians and the world,” said MacAulay. “It’s vitally important that they have access to flexible risk management programs to help them protect their operations so they can keep meeting the demand for the products they produce.” After a lower-than-average claim year in 2024, Manitoba farmers will benefit from lower premium rates for most insurable crops in 2025. For annual crops, the average premium for producers will be $32.52 per acre in 2025 compared to $38.57 per acre in 2024. MASC calculates premium rates using methodologies that are reviewed and approved by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Volatility in global commodity markets continues to impact AgriInsurance dollar values for the 2025 season. Some crops such as flax and field peas will have higher dollar values. For the majority of crops, however, dollar values are lower than in 2024 based on market forecasts. Total coverage for 2025 is expected to be $4.2 billion, noted MacAulay. “As a farmer for many years, I understand the importance of knowing your coverage and costs as you plan for the next growing season,” said Kostyshyn. “We’re happy to offer coverage at affordable rates for Manitoba farmers through the AgriInsurance program so they can confidently plan for the upcoming crop year.” MASC is further enhancing the AgriInsurance program by adding birdsfoot trefoil as an eligible crop for Forage Establishment Insurance and expanding the boundaries for grain corn area 1 and incorporating the grain corn insurance test area as grain corn area 5. The Wildlife Damage Compensation program is also being enhanced by increasing the maximum value used to calculate livestock predation claims to $7,000 from $3,000 per animal. Manitoba has a high level of AgriInsurance participation with over 90 per cent of annual crop acres and more than 7,400 farms enrolled in the program.