April 2004

FAMILIES IN NEED - Fund Has Been Reactivated
The Assiniboine Presbytery Fund now has limited monies available to assist farm and rural families in need.

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October 2003

October 22, 2003
MAKING CONNECTIONS 2003: "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?"
The Relationship Between Thought and Action in Agricultural Health & Safety, part of an international symposium on the future of rural peoples at the University of Saskatchewan.
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October 3 2003
4-H Tradition in Manitoba
Oct. 19 to 25 was proclaimed 4-H Week in Manitoba in recognition of the program's 90 years of service and leadership development for young people.
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September 2003

Crop Residue Burning Authorization
Before you burn your straw, please consider that it may be needed by livestock producers. For authorized crop burning areas and times, visit the following link: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/soilwater/conservation/map.html
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August 2003

New Loans to Assist Producers Suffering Cash Flow Challenges Due to BSE
Manitoba ruminant producers will have access to a new $100 million loan program that will provide them with the necessary operating funds at a reduced interest rate to address cash flow challenges arising from BSE.
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July 2003

BSE Update #6
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June 2003

BSE Update #3
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May 2003

BSE Update #2
What we know, what we don't
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BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY (MAD COW DISEASE)
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was reported in Alberta. Manitoba has never had a reported case of BSE. Based on current information related to the Alberta situation, the risk of Manitobans contracting variant CJD is still considered to be very low. Manitoba already has response and surveillance measures in place for BSE. A working group comprised of Manitoba Health, Manitoba Agriculture and Food and other stakeholders is being created to review BSE surveillance measures, provide information to cattle producers and deal with ongoing developments related to BSE..
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Promoting agriculture opportunities in Aboriginal community
Manitoba has hired a new co-ordinator to work with Aboriginal communities in developing agricultural opportunities.
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April, 2003

BRIDGING GENERATIONS MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY
$14.6 million in loans has been made available under the Bridging Generations Initiative to help establish a new generation of Manitoba farmers.
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Crisis Intervention Training
The Manitoba Farm & Rural Stress Line, together with Klinic Community Health Centre, will be hosting the Klinic Institute in various locations throughout the province. The Institute provides Crisis Intervention and Trauma Post-vention training for service providers in an intensive 4-day workshop. Limited spaces. Dates are March 16-19 in Brandon, November 3-6 in Russell, March 8-11 in Brandon and May 10-13 in Thompson. For more information see the following PDF file.
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ENHANCED SOIL TESTING AWARENESS INITIATIVE
As part of the province's Lake Winnipeg Action Plan, a new program to inform producers about soil testing options and nutrient management was announced at Rural Forum in Brandon.
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AGRICULTURE STRATEGY ON ETHANOL
Paper to Encourage Public and Industry Input, an information update on creating economic opportunities in agriculture as identified in the Manitoba Ethanol Advisory Panel Report.
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Manitoba's Controlled Burning Program
For up-to-date information on the burning of crop residue and non-crop herbage call your local Manitoba Agriculture and Food office or go to their web site. Call before you burn! Numbers for various regions are below:
Red River/Southeast Zone: 1-800-265-1233
All other Zones: 1-800-465-1233
Services en français: 1-800-461-1233
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Farm and Rural Stress Line receives major donation
Canada's TV comedy troupe, The Royal Canadian Air Farce performed and recorded two sold-out shows in Brandon, and announced it would donate the proceeds of the show's ticket sales to two local charities - the Manitoba Farm and Rural Stress Line (MFRSL) and a Brandon-based group called W.A.T.C.H.
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March 2003

MANITOBA ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENTS TO LOAN PROGRAM FOR FARMERS
New Program Will Leverage $60 Million in Guaranteed Loans For Farm Operating Expenses, Credit Unions Brought on Board:
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WOWCHUK AND BARRETT PROCLAIM AGRICULTURAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK
Agriculture and Food Minister Rosann Wowchuk and Labour and Immigration Minster Becky Barrett have proclaimed March 12 to 19 as AgriculturalSafety and Health Week in Manitoba.
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February 2003

Predator Trapping Program
Conservation Minister Steve Ashton announced $50,000 for a predator management agreement with the Manitoba Trappers Association.
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November 2002

The Farm and Rural Stress Line keeps growing
(The Manitoba Co-operator, by Harry Siemens)
The phones are ringing off the hook at Manitoba's Farm and Rural Stress Line. Janet Smith, the organization's co-ordinator, says they're getting about five times as many calls as last year.
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