To help farmers identify available grain storage locations across the province, the Manitoba government is developing a grain storage listing service. This announcement was made by Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD) Minister Ron Kostyshyn while speaking at the 10th annual Agriculture Awareness Day.
“Our first priority is getting this grain moving, but secondly, we need to ensure we have ample space should farmers need emergency alternate locations for at-risk grain in flood-prone areas,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “I’ve spoken with the federal minister and he is very in tune with what’s happening here. We’ll continue to work with the federal government, stakeholders along with rail and grain companies to ensure farmers get those grain cheques that are so long overdue.”
The minister said the service will be up and running by the end of the week and accessible at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture. The grain storage listing service will work similar to the current online hay listing service. If producers have available storage that could be used in the event flooding becomes a risk, they are encouraged to contact their local GO office. The department will be developing tools to help farmers who need extra storage for their excess grain to get in contact with producers who have empty grain storage facilities available.
“This service is welcome news and we’ll continue working with the provincial government to address this grain transportation backlog,” said Doug Chorney, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers. “Due to a lack of storage, grain is sitting in outside bags or piles. With the spring thaw just around the corner, moisture or overland flooding are a real concern because of the potential for quality degradation and its financial impacts on farm income.”
MAFRD is also working on completing a review of flood-prone areas and will be contacting farmers as a precaution to ensure grain from those areas can be moved if required.
Last week, the province submitted a proposal to the federal government to ensure measures they announced address the unique grain transportation backlog issues in Manitoba, which includes a commitment to ensuring fair access to grain cars.
The minister also noted road restrictions will be eased this spring so at-risk grain can be transported.
