Cattle Biz News and Issues

Western Dairy Farmer, Leduc, AB

Manitoba government bows to producer pressure in cattle sales levyBy Harry Siemens
Friday September 08, 2006
Western Dairy Farmer —

article intro:
“The Manitoba government has bowed to producer pressure making its $2 levy on all Manitoba cattle sales refundable. When originally announced in March, the check-off to support slaughter capacity expansion was to be mandatory and non-refundable.

Agriculture Minister Rosann Wowchuk hopes the change will help move this issue forward, and hasten the construction of new slaughter facilities.
Wowchuk stresses the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council will still administer the funds raised, as was announced previously.
Collection of the levy will begin September 1 at point of sale.

The Manitoba Cattle Producers Association (MCPA) responded quickly saying how pleased they are the provincial government decided at the last minute to make the mandatory check-off refundable.
“Cattle producers had made it clear from the outset their concerns about a non-refundable levy as it took away their democratic right to choose how they invest their money,” said MCPA president ken Crockatt.

“By making the levy refundable, the provincial government has taken a very important step in addressing the producers’ concerns.”