Hello, Minister Ritz?

If you could speak to the Federal Agriculture Minister about the state of Manitoba’s cattle industry,what exactly would you say?

“I’m very concerned about the livestock industry - both hogs and beef. I think we are to the point that we are going to hit the wall.

As cattle producers we attend conferences and workshops to learn how to be more efficient, but at the same time, cattle prices keep dropping lower and lower. How long before we run out of ways to be more efficient?

How do you feel you are helping the industry stay alive? I recently attended an auction sale and three semi loads of cows went to slaughter. It criminal to see that happening when there are should be young farmers there buying those cows.

The federal government is not looking at the trade issues that are blocking our border market into the U.S. (COOL).

We lost all the small packing plants, especially in Winnipeg. Free trade, in my opinion, is no longer helping us in the livestock industry and I think it’s time the federal government steps up to the plate.

I just met with my accountant and while we are cutting our costs, the price we are getting for our calves is also going down, so we are getting nothing from the AgriStability program.

Instead of wasting your time trying to dismantle the wheat board, you should be working harder to maintain it because as cattle producers, we are in a free market system. Come join us and see what it’s all about. I wish them luck.

So Mr. Ritz, I think it’s about time the Federal government starts working with the provincial governments to help our industry. Otherwise, who is going to be left tomorrow? It’s criminal on the part of government to stand by and watch an industry go down the tubes.

We can’t take this much longer.”

- Leo Fuhr, Langenburg, SK