Details of the Manitoba Forage Assistance Program

The following is an outline of the details of the Manitoba Forage Assistance Program:

The purpose is to provide freight assistance to Manitoba livestock producers who are short of hay, grain and straw due to drought/excess moisture conditions.

Eligible Animals
Beef cattle, dairy cattle fed to produce beef, bison, elk, sheep, goats, deer, equine ranching and llamas that have been continuously owned by the applicant from August 1, 2008 until at least the time of application and are located in the province of Manitoba.

Eligible Feed
Hay, straw, grain, pelleted screenings and complete feed rations that have been transported to provide feed to eligible animals. Other energy and protein concentrated feed will be considered for eligibility by a MAFRI expert committee.

The eligibility of concentrated feedstuffs is subject to geographical restrictions: the RMs of St. Laurent, Coldwell, Siglunes, Grahamdale, Fisher, Bifrost, Eriksdale, Armstrong, Gimli, Alonsa, Mossey River, Ethelbert, Mountain South and Lawrence, areas of Northern Affairs jurisdiction and the First Nations of Peguis, Fisher River, Lake Manitoba, Ebb and Flow, Sandy Bay, Little Saskatchewan, Lake St. Martin, Dauphin River, Kinonjeoshtegon, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi, Skownan and Pinaymootang.

Transportation Rates
Per metric tonne, per loaded mile
Straw $0.20
Hay $0.15
Grain $0.09

To move animals out of the area to be fed:
Per head, per loaded mile:
Cows, bulls, bison, elk
$0.085
Calves, deer $0.06
All other eligible animals: $0.04

Transport of animals that is considered to be a normal management practice of the producer will not be eligible for assistance under the program.

Distance restrictions
Transportation of eligible feed and livestock has to be moved a minimum of 25 miles (40 km) to a maximum of 300 miles (480 km). Distance that concentrated feedstuffs must be moved a minimum of 25 miles (40 km) to a maximum of 150 miles (240 km).

Limitations
Payments will be limited to the feed requirements from August 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009. The Minister may terminate the program at any time, without prior notice.

For more information or to apply, contact your local MAFRI office.
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