Rural cabinet ministers 'good sign' for Manitoba farmers, says KAP president

A group representing Manitoba farmers is pleased to see several rural MLAs in Premier Brian Pallister's cabinet.

Dan Mazier, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers, said it's good to see Blaine Pedersen named infrastructure minister and Ralph Eichler named minister of agriculture.

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"Having all those rural ministers in those postings is a good sign," Mazier said in a phone interview Tuesday, as he was seeding red spring wheat on his farm near Justice, northeast of Brandon, Man.

"The premier sets that tone and anytime they can mention all of Manitoba, and rural Manitoba especially, I think it bodes well for agriculture in general. We know at least it's in the background of their thoughts when they're trying to decide some important situations."

Pedersen and Eichler represent the Midland and Lakeside constituencies, respectively.

Mazier added that Pallister set a new tone for the government when he incorporated the the 4-H pledge of service into his speech at his swearing-in ceremony Tuesday morning.

"Unique way to start the session off, that's for sure," he said. "I think it's probably a sign; it's definitely a different tone."

Mazier said his group is glad the Progressive Conservatives did not change the Department of Agriculture to include other ministries, and he believes Eichler's experience will help as farmers start working with the new government.

KAP's priorities for the government, he said, includes fixing rural roads and infrastructure and dedicating more funds for agriculture research and innovation.