Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development reminds livestock farmers of the services and programs available to them if they are affected by the dry conditions.
Low levels of precipitation and soil moisture have hampered the growth of pastures and forage crops in portions of Manitoba, as well as lowered water levels in dugouts.
Producers can use the following tools and resources to manage their livestock's water supply:
1. Funding to Manage Surface and Ground Water Sources for Pastured Livestock
The Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas beneficial management practise (BMP) under Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance receives support from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The following things are eligible:
- water source development, constructing new or rehabilitating existing wells or dugouts.
- solar, wind or grid-powered alternative watering systems.
- permanent fencing to restrict livestock access to surface water and dugouts; and
- permanent pipeline development.
2. Well and Groundwater Resources
The guide Constructing and Sealing Water Wells in Manitoba gives private well owners information on who can build or seal a well, well construction requirements, and well upkeep. The handbook explains when a permit, such as a water usage licence, is required, as well as what must be reported to the Water Branch. To view the guide, visit www.gov.mb.ca/water/pubs/water/groundwater/publication/2017_constructing_and_sealing_water_wells_for_private_owners.pdf.
The Manitoba Well Aware booklet, which can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/pubs/water/well_aware_en.pdf has information on groundwater, water wells, water quality, and water-well maintenance.
3. Watershed Districts
To maintain and improve watershed health, Manitoba's 14 Watershed Districts offer agriculture producers a variety of locally tailored land and water stewardship initiatives. Some districts provide incentive programs that help producers build animal watering systems, water supplies, pasture pipelines, and riparian area fencing when conditions are dry and where there are watershed health advantages. Through the Growing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) and Ag Action programs, Watershed Districts also assist farmers in obtaining funds for habitat preservation, soil conservation, land restoration, and water management projects.
www.manitobawatersheds.ca has further information about Manitoba's Watershed Districts. The GROW initiative in Manitoba can be accessed at www.gov.mb.ca/water/watershed/grow.