The livestock sector had a number of mentions in this week's provincial budget.

Funding was announced for a Livestock Growth Strategy, while borrowing limits through the Livestock Associations Loan Guarantee program have been maintained.

Manitoba Beef Producers General Manager Brian Lemon says these initiatives will help to grow Manitoba's cattle herd, as was stated last year by Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler.

"If we're looking at growing this herd and getting a hold of capital in a cost-effective way and having the government stand up and maintain the borrowing limits on these loan guarantees, that's going to be critical to making sure that the capital's available if we're going to grow this herd," said Lemon.

Eichler echoed those sentiments.

"It's substantial in order for those young producers and producers even older that want to get involved as individuals to borrow money to ensure that they get into the livestock sector," he said. "So it's not only meaningful to them but also sustainable."

Lemon says they've sent a letter to the Minister outlining their recommendations for growing the herd.

"We went out and we spoke to producers at district meetings across the province and engaged with our grassroots to say, 'What are the issues?' and 'What is it going to take to actually grow the herd?'"

Eichler says he's reviewed the letter.

"I'm looking forward to meeting with them shortly and see what we can do to help them, help themselves grow the herd," he commented. "Not led by government but led by the beef sector on their own."

Eichler says a meeting was set-up for last week, but had to be rescheduled due to time constraints.