Politics Making Ag Sector Scapegoat for Lake's Woes
Wpg Free Press - Laura Rance - 06/11/201
Laura says Manitoba is latching on to fauly science in the formation of public policy regarding Lake Winnipeg pollution. Details here.
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Lk. Wpg. www.gov.mb.ca
PLT: I admire Laura's articles greatly. However, it remains unclear to me that the amount of "blame" the government seems to be aiming at the hog industry quite matches the corrective action it will require the industry to take. After all, the winter spreading thing, as Laura concedes, is already covered and the changes there seem cosmetic, at best. Since new operations are already prohibited in the east, no change there, either. So I don't quite understand what corrective actions the industry will be required to take that would justify the amount of public "stink" it has been raising over this issue.
Another thing, past flood events have been known to "overtop" hog lagoons and wash the waste into waterways. We've heard not a peep about that this time. Is that because it has not happened? Or is it because of a timid news media (not you, Laura) that doesn't seem to ask such questions any more.
From what I've read, synthetic fertilizers in all likelihood play a big role here, as well. If that is the case, let the chips fall where they may. Our food producers need to be appreciated and treated fairly. But if they are using methods which are harmful, they need to be called to account like anyone else.
And surely it's high time to end this myth that any time farmers come under scrutiny, it's all a plot by the NDP & those "city environmentalists!" I haven't been voting NDP & I live in the country! l.p.
Laura says Manitoba is latching on to fauly science in the formation of public policy regarding Lake Winnipeg pollution. Details here.
======
Lk. Wpg. www.gov.mb.ca
PLT: I admire Laura's articles greatly. However, it remains unclear to me that the amount of "blame" the government seems to be aiming at the hog industry quite matches the corrective action it will require the industry to take. After all, the winter spreading thing, as Laura concedes, is already covered and the changes there seem cosmetic, at best. Since new operations are already prohibited in the east, no change there, either. So I don't quite understand what corrective actions the industry will be required to take that would justify the amount of public "stink" it has been raising over this issue. Another thing, past flood events have been known to "overtop" hog lagoons and wash the waste into waterways. We've heard not a peep about that this time. Is that because it has not happened? Or is it because of a timid news media (not you, Laura) that doesn't seem to ask such questions any more.
From what I've read, synthetic fertilizers in all likelihood play a big role here, as well. If that is the case, let the chips fall where they may. Our food producers need to be appreciated and treated fairly. But if they are using methods which are harmful, they need to be called to account like anyone else.
And surely it's high time to end this myth that any time farmers come under scrutiny, it's all a plot by the NDP & those "city environmentalists!" I haven't been voting NDP & I live in the country! l.p.
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