There is a review underway for Manitoba’s forage insurance programs offered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). The deadline has been extended to March 31, so farmers can still take the survey and let government know what’s working or what you would like to see changed to insure their hay harvest.
Forage growers and livestock producers currently have a number of choices to insure their alfalfa, hay or pasture outcomes each year.
Even the nutrient quality can be insured.
Cattle producers may have a wide variety of different feeds to harvest. Many things can go right, or wrong.
Crop growth and then the harvest is very weather dependent. How many times has a heavy stand of hay been cut, only to lie in the swath and be soaked with rain that changes hurts the quality or renders it unfit for feed?
Insurance is just one more place for agricultural producers to spend money up front, while many are already playing a game of catch-up and paying interest on that game.
We hear producers say insurance options need to be simple, easy to understand, with a straightforward application process.
If /when it comes time to apply for insurance, the process should be easy to apply for and forthcoming in time to buy the feed required that fall; to pay bills and live to farm another day.
MASC wants to hear from farmers. The snow is still on the ground, and there’s time for office work before spring breaks.
Manitoba agricultural producers are encouraged to share their ideas on how the programs can improve to help them manage forage and production risk.
MASC announcement:
The online survey is: https://engagemb.ca/. The deadline for the survey has been extended until March 31.
If producers cannot access the online survey, please call 204-239-3275 or email forageinsreview2020@masc.mb.ca to have a copy of the survey mailed or emailed.
In addition, focus group meetings will be held via videoconferencing to delve into survey responses and to discuss possible solutions to issues.
Those who completed the survey and offered their availability will be among those that make up these focus groups. These meetings will be operated by videoconference and kept to small numbers to allow effective engagement.
How to share your views:
Email and submit to agrpolicy@gov.mb.ca
Tell:
- How you currently manage forage production risk
- Your thoughts on the current MASC forage insurance products
- How you think the program can be improved
For information visit: Forage Insurance Review Background.
In-person public meetings on the Forage Insurance Review are cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
If you would like to participate in the survey and need assistance, you can use the public kiosks available at the Agriculture and Resource Development office location:
- Virden: 247 Wellington Street W, 204-748-4770
- Vita: 108 Main Street N, 204-425-5050
- Carberry: Junction of Hwys #1 & #5, North on #5, 204-834-8815
- Swan River: 120-6th Avenue N, 204-734-3417
- Roblin: 117-2nd Avenue NW, 204-937-6460
- The Pas: 234-3rd Street & Ross Avenue, 204-627-8255
Please note that due to limited staff availability we recommend contacting the office in advance to make an appointment.
