Cattlemen hope MNDM renews vet subsidy program

Ken Johnston
Editor

The district cattlemen may have to pay as much as three times as much for veterinary services on their farms if the province does not renew the current subsidy program due to expire at the end of March.
Kim Jo-Bliss reported to the annual meeting of the Rainy River Cattemen’s Association (RRCA) last Wednesday that the current program, which is funded through the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, expired December 31, 2003, but was extended until March 31, 2004 while a review of the program is undertaken by the ministry.
Ag. Rep. Gary Sliworsky said that the study was completed over a year ago and that MNDM has done nothing since with the recommendations.
Bliss said that the local cattlemen would like to see the program continue and could not afford the vet bills that they would have to ensue if it were eliminated. “Farmers would have to pay three times the mileage for the vet if the program were gone.”
At present communities, both organized and unorganized contribute funds to the RRCA to provide $1,000 in local money used to seed the MNDM program.
Cattleman Doug Hartnell asked if Rainy River had paid its share of the $1,000. Bliss said they did not pay last year or this year. “Their argument is that there are no cattle in town.”
Rainy River’s share is $150 per year, considerably lower than Emo’s 35¢ per capita.
Cattleman Andrew Brumwell, who lives just north of Rainy River said, “Beef producers spend a lot of money in Rainy River.” Brumwell also noted that several beef farmers have retired in recent years and chose to live in Rainy River where they again spend a lot of money as well as taxes.
Cattleman Archie Wiersema said that he spoke to Rainy River’s new mayor, Glen Armstrong, and was assured that Rainy River will pay both last year and this year’s share.
Mayor Glen Armstrong confirmed that late last week while at the Record office.