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By Alice McFarlane

Protecting farm animals from predator attacks

Manitoba’s livestock predation program received financial support

Apr 30, 2024 | 4:32 PM

Wildlife attacks on livestock are a significant problem for Manitoba producers with over 2,000 livestock lost each year.

Farmers and ranchers have been asking for some form of support to implement measures to discourage these attacks.

The federal and Manitoba governments are providing $500,000 to Manitoba’s Livestock Predation Prevention Program which supports on-farm measures to deter predator attacks and promotes the co-existence of wildlife and livestock in agricultural regions.

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) President Matthew Atkinson said the program provides two funding streams for producers including the purchase of equipment, livestock guardian dogs and constructing predator resistant fencing.

“The cost-shared funding for practices is aimed at reducing the risk of predation and encourages eligible producers to explore the two programs. MBP appreciates the engagement with the province on the development of strategies to help reduce livestock predation and the negative effects it has on our sector,” Atkinson said.

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Pre-approved livestock predation prevention will allow eligible applicants to purchase solar foxlights, electronet, fladry, and livestock guardian dogs.

Predator resistant fence construction will allow eligible applicants to apply for funding to support construction of fencing that deters predators from entering calving and lambing areas, pastures, extended grazing areas, and deadstock compost sites.

Livestock producers that had a paid livestock predation claim under the Manitoba Wildlife Damage Compensation Program from 2021 or later are eligible to apply for the program. Farmers can be reimbursed up to 75 per cent of total eligible expenses to a maximum of $5,000 for pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs and $10,000 for fence construction.

In 2020, Manitoba launched the Livestock Predation Prevention Pilot Project led by MBP in partnership with Manitoba Agriculture and the Manitoba Sheep Association (MSA). Over 100 projects were completed on 48 farms across the province under this pilot.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW

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