Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) proudly joined provincial partners this past week in celebrating Beef Week in the province.

MBP President Ben Fox joined Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler at the Manitoba Legislature this past Tuesday morning for the signing of the Beef Week proclamation. The signing coincides with the annual Manitoba Ag Ex, which ran from Oct. 25-28 in Brandon.

“We appreciate the province recognizing our great industry with the proclamation,” said Fox. “With roughly 6,500 producers in the province, the Manitoba beef industry is a vital part of the provincial economy, particularly in our rural communities. Also, the environmental benefits that our producers provide cannot be understated. Manitoba’s beef producers are the stewards of thousands of acres of private and Crown lands. As has been well documented, these properly maintained pasture lands act as carbon stores, are critical for water management and flood mitigation and also provide vital habitats for many species of plants and animals. Producers in our province take great pride in producing world-class beef but they also take pride in the practices they use each and every day on the farm.”

The proclamation signing also coincides with the start of MBP’s 2017 district meetings. Fox said he encourages all members to attend their meeting to hear about MBP’s activities on their behalf. He added this is also their opportunity to have a say in the future direction of MBP.

For more on the 2017 district meeting schedule please visit www.mbbeeef.ca/district-meetings.