Focus on producing food, not climate politics.  
 The recent rains are welcome to replenish the soils rather than help the 2021 crop, except for a few later seeded ones. Yes, even pastures not trampled into the ground and killed will also benefit and with the rains coming in August time to extend some grazing.  
On the other hand, having a Federal election on Sept. 20 wasn’t nearly as welcome as by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, farm organizations came up with their election wish lists.  
“Ongoing drought conditions pose a significant challenge to Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food industry. It is important for every political party to recognize the importance of agriculture at a time when producers in all sectors and all regions of our province are struggling,” said KAP president Bill Campbell. 
KAP is calling on the federal political parties to focus on four areas: business risk management programs to support producers, the role of producers as environmental stewards, economic development and public trust in agriculture. 
“Improvements in these areas will be essential to the success of agriculture in Manitoba. KAP is ready to work with producers, farm organizations and all levels of government to ensure that agriculture remains sustainable and profitable.” 
I like what former ag minister Gerry Ritz had to say with the current crop of Liberal government announcements. The big announcements coming out from minister Bibeau are $200 million for a climate change fund that farmers can access. 
Farmers aren’t looking to change the climate; they’re looking to hang onto their herds and put a crop in the ground again next year. They’re already great environmental stewards.  
“None of those (announcements) speak to the primary production of food in this country, which is the third-largest driver of our economy.” 
With the severity of the 2021 drought cutting deep, I think governments and political parties have veered away from assuring Canadian farmers continue to thrive because they produce food for Canadians and many people abroad. Far more concerned about satisfying world authorities that want to convince people and pocketbooks that more taxes will save the world’s climate when they don’t heed their claims.  
Former ag minister Jim Downey has an idea that with Canadians paying carbon taxes, let’s use that money to turn worn-out pastures into carbon sinks and rent them from the cattle producers. A few dollars won’t feed the animals for the fall, winter and next spring, so sell the cattle now but give them the where-with-all to restart their herds when feasible.   
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture called on the federal parties to prioritize agriculture in their election platforms as a means of spurring Canada’s economic recovery while creating a foundation for economic and environmental benefits for years to come. Farmers and citizens across Canada need a government dedicated to unleashing the potential for agriculture as an economic engine and as an important ally in the fight against climate change. 
I could get into that but suffice it to say the federal Liberal government isn’t recognizing what farmers do to save the climate by being the best environmental stewards that money can’t buy while producing an abundance of healthy and safe foods.   
“The government and financial institutions have repeatedly identified Canadian agriculture as a sector that can achieve incredible growth. Our natural resources are one of Canada’s strongest foundations. Yet consecutive governments have failed to provide any inconsistent funding to achieve this growth, failing to keep up with inflation. Farming and food production is truly an essential industry, and we need to see actions that support and propel the industry to new heights,” CFA president Mary Robinson. •